Indonesia Faces Rising Concerns over Human Rights Record Under New Leadership
Since taking office, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has faced mounting criticism for appointing figures accused of past human rights abuses to key government positions, raising concerns about a potential rise in impunity.
A recent report by KontraS, a leading Indonesian human rights organization, highlighted troubling backslide in human rights protections during the period of January to December 2024. The report documented 47 extrajudicial killings and 62 incidents of torture involving 128 victims.
“KontraS sees no significant progress on human rights,” Dimas Bagus Arya, the KontraS coordinator, stated during a press briefing in Jakarta. "In fact, in many areas, we are witnessing a backslide."
One particularly controversial appointment was Wiranto as the special presidential advisor on politics and security. Wiranto, who allegedly exceeded his powers during his term as Indonesia’s armed forces chief, was indicted for crimes against humanity committed in East Timor in 1999. As the chief of Indonesia’s armed forces, he was accused of failing to prevent atrocities committed by Indonesian military and pro-Jakarta militias against East Timorese civilians in the wake of a U.N.-sponsored referendum for independence.
Prabowo himself hasn’t been without accusations. Bivitri Susanti, a constitutional law scholar at the Jentera School of Law, pointed to Prabowo’s military career and criticized the new government.
“When individuals with questionable records are appointed to high-ranking positions, it fosters a culture of impunity and sends a message that past abuses will go unpunished,” Bivitri explained. “Efforts to resolve human rights violations through financial compensation alone – without first establishing accountability and truth – would only deepen distrust.”
Concerns have also been raised about the government’s handling of cases involving attacks on journalists and growing land conflicts impacting indigenous communities. These findings add fuel to the debate surrounding the
esthe government’s commitment to human rights.
Focus on Infrastructure Raises Concerns About Marginalized Communities
While the government touts progress on infrastructure projects, critics argue such ambitions often come at the expense of marginalized communities. Dimas noted that these projects frequently displace indigenous populations or disrupt vital environmental ecosystems.
These concerns echo broader anxieties about a rollback in progress after a period where human rights had been a major focus of the government.
“These figures reveal a lack of accountability,” said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia.
laiming a serious human rights issue amid growing calls for accountability and transitional justice
Amnesty International has also criticized attempts to rehabilitate the reputation of Indonesia’s former dictator Suharto, who led the country from 1967 to 1998. There are concerns these efforts by supporters
The Indonesian government’s focus on infrastructure projects comes with voices expressing concern about
The growing number of human rights concerns, specifically related to efforts toward reconciliation.
In the aftermath
It remains to be seen how these issues will evolve
What are the potential domestic and international repercussions of a government perceived as tolerant of human rights violations, as highlighted by KontraS’s report and the history of President Subianto?
## Indonesia: A New Era of Impunity?
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the program. Today, we’re discussing the rising concerns surrounding human rights in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto. Joining us is Dr. Aviva Lestari, a human rights expert specializing in Southeast Asia. Dr. Lestari, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Lestari:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** As you know, President Subianto has been criticized for appointing figures with alleged human rights abuses to key positions. KontraS, a leading Indonesian human rights organization, has recently released a report detailing a disturbing backslide in human rights protections. Can you shed some light on this?
**Dr. Lestari:** Absolutely. KontraS’s report paints a bleak picture. They documented 47 extrajudicial killings and 62 cases of torture in just one year. This is alarming and points to a concerning trend. The appointment of individuals like Wiranto as the president’s advisor on politics and security is especially troubling, given his past indictment for crimes against humanity in East Timor [[1](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/former-general-linked-to-human-rights-abuses-elected-as-indonesias-next-president)].
**Interviewer:** President Subianto himself has faced accusations of human rights violations during his military career. How does this history influence the current situation?
**Dr. Lestari:** President Subianto’s past raises serious concerns. His choices in appointments send a strong message: that accountability for past abuses is not a priority for this administration. This fosters a culture of impunity, where individuals feel emboldened to violate human rights without fear of consequences.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential consequences of this trend for Indonesia’s democracy and its international standing?
**Dr. Lestari:** The erosion of human rights protections undermines the foundations of democracy. It stifles dissent, limits freedom of expression, and creates an environment of fear. This can have dire consequences for Indonesia’s stability and development. Internationally, it damages Indonesia’s reputation and could lead to sanctions or diplomatic pressure.
**Interviewer:** What can be done to address these concerns?
**Dr. Lestari:** Firstly, we need strong condemnation of human rights violations from both domestic and international actors. Independent investigations into these abuses are crucial to ensure accountability. Secondly, civil society organizations need to continue their vital work in documenting abuses and advocating for change. the Indonesian government needs to demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring justice for past abuses. This requires a fundamental shift in its approach.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Lestari. This is a crucial issue that requires continued attention and action.
**Dr. Lestari:** Thank you for having me.
