Fadli Zon: The 1998 Tragedy Mass Rape Term Needs Strong Data Verification

JAKARTA Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of prudence in using the term "mass rape" related to the May 1998 humanitarian tragedy. He said that the use of the term requires deepening of data and strong evidence so as not to have a negative impact on the image of the nation.

"I want to underline that we have to be careful about the data and evidence," said Fadli Zon while attending the inauguration of Bali Indah Cultural Park at Strzelenko, Slupsk City, Poland, quoted from ANTARA, Tuesday 17 June.

Fadli said, during the transitional period of government in 1998, there was a lot of confusing information and needed more in-depth investigation. According to him, although violence against women is believed to have occurred, the term "massal" in the context of rape still requires further verification.

"I believe that violence, sexual bullying against women, not even just in the past, is still happening until now. But the term 'mass' may require deepening, more accurate evidence and more solid data, because this concerns the good name of our nation," he said.

Regarding the report of the Joint Fact Finding Team (TGPF) which was formed to investigate the events of May 13-14, 1998, Fadli emphasized that the results of the investigation at that time still left a number of things that needed to be reviewed.

"When the information is confusing, that's where I think we need to deepen it. So I don't negate the occurrence of various forms of crime at that time," he added.

Fadli added that he did not turn a blind eye to the tragedy that occurred, but wanted clear data so that there would be no negative labels against the Indonesian nation without a strong legal basis.

"Try to imagine if our nation is labeled a mass rapist nation," he said.

However, Fadli emphasized that if it was legally proven that there were cases of mass rape, he fully supports the legal process against the perpetrators.

"If it is proven, I fully support the perpetrators to be tried and punished severely in accordance with applicable legal provisions," he said.