The Denial of the May 1998 Sexual Violence Is Repeated Violence

Responding to the Denial of the May 1998 Sexual Violence 

“The Denial of the May 1998 Sexual Violence Is Repeated Violence” 

Jakarta, June 15, 2025 

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) expresses concern and criticizes the Minister of Culture's statement denying the occurrence of sexual violence in the May 1998 Tragedy. 

Komnas Perempuan reminds that the official report of the Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) on the May 1998 riots revealed findings of human rights violations, namely 85 cases of sexual violence, including 52 cases of rape. These findings were submitted directly to then-President B.J. Habibie and became the basis for the state's official recognition of sexual violence against women in the May 1998 Tragedy, which was followed up with the establishment of Komnas Perempuan through Presidential Decree No. 181 of 1998. 

The Joint Fact-Finding Team was formed as an official state mandate through a Joint Decree of five high-ranking state officials, namely the Minister of Defense and Security/Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of State for Women's Affairs, and the Attorney General. This formation was a direct implementation of the President's order, making the Joint Fact-Finding Team a legal and legitimate instrument of the Government to uncover the facts of’ the May 1998 riots, including allegations of gross human rights violations. One of the Joint Fact-Finding Team’s recommendations has been followed up, namely the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights’ (Komnas HAM) Pro-Justice Investigation Team for allegations of gross human rights violations in the May 1998 case. It has concluded that there is sufficient preliminary evidence for allegations of crimes against humanity as stipulated in Article 9 of Law No. 26 of 2000 on the Human Rights Court. 

“Survivors have endured this burden in silence for too long. This denial is not only hurtful but also perpetuates impunity,” said Dahlia Madanih, Commissioner of Komnas Perempuan. 

Komnas Perempuan reminds that the Joint Fact-Finding Team Document is an official state product. Therefore, to deny the official Joint Fact-Finding Team Document is to ignore the nation's collective efforts in pursuing justice. Such an attitude actually distances us from genuine and comprehensive healing for survivors. 

Commissioner Yuni Asriyanti stated that acknowledging the truth is a crucial foundation for a just and dignified recovery process. “We urge that the statement be retracted and an apology issued to the survivors and the community as a demonstration of moral responsibility and commitment to human rights principles.” 

“Komnas Perempuan calls on all state officials to respect official documentation, uphold human rights commitments, and support the just and dignified recovery of victims,” ​​added Sondang Frishka Simanjuntak, Komnas Perempuan's transition deputy chairperson. 

Contact Person: Elsa Faturahmah (081389371400)