Widodo’s human rights speech is worthless because the abuses continue

Indonesian President Joko Widodo took nearly a decade to fulfill his 2014 election promise to address the nation’s historic egregious human abuses, most of which were the bloody work of the police and military.

Last week, Widodo (known as Jokowi in Indonesia) listed 12 historical atrocities that have blighted the nation’s human rights record. Hundreds of thousands of Indonesians were killed, tortured, raped, imprisoned and deported in these events, and these are just the most well-known of the widespread and systematic abuses by the armed forces. He expressed his deep regret and decided to secure some form of compensation.

Now nearing the end of his second five-year term, Widodo is likely to consider his legacy and standing before Indonesians and the international community. By various studies, most Indonesians want accountability for the brutality of the armed forces that has stained Indonesia’s record. Last year, Widodo gathered a a team led by veteran diplomat Makarim Wibisono investigate historical abuses and recommend reparations.