Commemorating 25 Years Of Reform, Komnas Perempuan: The Best Lessons And Don't Let It Happen Again!

The atmosphere of the 25th Anniversary of Reform held by Komnas Perempuan at Pondok Ranggon Public Cemetery (TPU), Jakarta, Saturday (13/5/2023). (Doc. ANTARA/Sean Filoso Muhamad)

JAKARTA - The National Commission on Violence Against Women or Komnas Perempuan held a 25th anniversary of reform at Pondok Ranggon Public Cemetery, Jakarta, Saturday, May 13.

"In 25 years of reform, Komnas Perempuan also held the commemoration of this incident as the best lesson so that it does not happen again," said Komnas Perempuan Chairman Andy Yentriyani.

Andy said that Komnas Perempuan paid attention to the efforts of the Joint Fact Finding Team (TGPF) to verify 85 cases of sexual violence occurred in May 1998, including 52 cases of rape.

According to him, Komnas Perempuan together with activists who defend human rights, victims' families, and survivors are trying to ensure that these cases are followed up.

He also stated that the 25th anniversary of reform was special because it coincided with the one-year anniversary of the Law on the Crime of Sexual Violence, which, among other things, was based on the experience of victims of the May 1998 incident.

Andy hopes that the community will move together to support efforts to fulfill the rights of victims of the May 1998 incident.

Mass action led to riots that occurred from May 13 to 15, 1998 in the capital city of Jakarta and several areas, mainly triggered by the Asian financial crisis which caused many companies to go bankrupt and millions of people to be laid off.

The riots then developed into destruction, looting, and burning of public facilities, office buildings, malls, shops, and vehicles.

Other crimes such as physical violence, sexual harassment, and rape also occurred during the riots. The targets of the mass tantrums were not only residents of Chinese descent, but also indigenous peoples.

The mass action in May 1998 prompted President Soeharto to resign and transfer power to his deputy, BJ Habibie.

The New Order government period which lasted for 32 years ended and reforms began.