Women's Commission Reminds State of 1998 Mass Rape Recognition After Minister's Denial

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has reminded the public that the state has officially acknowledged the mass rapes that occurred during the May 1998 Tragedy.

This reminder came in response to a recent statement by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who denied that sexual violence took place during the unrest.

Komnas Perempuan reaffirmed the findings of the 1998 Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF), which documented at least 85 cases of sexual violence, including 52 cases of rape, during the riots.

These findings were presented directly to President BJ Habibie and formed the foundation of the state's official recognition of human rights violations against women.

One of the outcomes was the establishment of Komnas Perempuan through Presidential Decree No. 181 of 1998.

"Survivors have borne the burden in silence for too long. This denial is not only painful, but also prolongs impunity," said Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Dahlia Madanih in an official statement received by Tempo on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Komnas Perempuan noted that the TGPF was created by a joint decision of five senior state officials on July 23, 1998: the Minister of Defense and Security/Commander of ABRI, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of State for Women's Affairs, and the Attorney General.

The team was officially mandated by the state to investigate the riots and examine reports of serious human rights violations.

Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Yuni Asriyanti stressed that truth-telling is essential for the healing and recovery of survivors. She called on the minister to retract his statement and issue an apology to both the survivors and the public

"As a form of moral responsibility and commitment to human rights principles," said Yuni.

Sondang Frishka Simanjuntak, Transitional Vice Chair of Komnas Perempuan, stated that denying the existence of the TGPF report amounts to disregarding official documentation and undermining the nation’s collective pursuit of justice.

"Komnas Perempuan calls on all state officials to respect the official documentation work, uphold human rights commitments, and support the fair and dignified recovery of victims," she said.

Komnas Perempuan stressed that the current government must remain steadfast in recognizing and addressing past human rights violations, including the sexual violence endured by women during the May 1998 Tragedy.

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