Truth and reconciliation in Aceh
Activists want a commission to investigate Indonesia’s 30 year civil war.
Human rights groups are pressing Indonesia to set up a truth and reconciliation commission (TRC) to look into alleged atrocities committed during the 30 year civil war in the Aceh province of northern Sumatra.
The establishment of such a commission is part of the peace deal signed by Indonesia and GAM (Free Aceh Movement) rebels in 2005.
But in December 2006, Indonesia’s constitutional court annulled the TRC law, saying it violated international laws by allowing the commission to grant amnesty to human rights violators.
Several activists claim Jakarta’s delaying tactic is symptomatic of the government not wanting to be held accountable for possible human rights abuses.
This episode of 101 East aired on Thursday, March 27, 2008.