Disclosure of the Truth to Caring for Peace

Disclosure of the Truth to Caring for Peace

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Banda Aceh - Improving the economic and democratic sectors, public services and infrastructure development is a testament to the success of Aceh's peace, which has been running for 13 years. But to nurture peace, there is still a great work to be done. One of them is the disclosure of the truth about past human rights cases.

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This was conveyed by the Governor of Aceh Irwandi Yusuf, in his written address read by the Head of Public Relations and Protocol Bureau of Aceh, Mulyadi Nurdin, at the silaturrahmi event with participants of the Decade Two Transitional Justice Discussion in Asia, in Meuligoe Governor of Aceh on Tuesday (27/3 / 2018) night. "This year the Aceh peace period will enter the 13th year. It is undeniable that we have made much progress. However, we do not immediately complacent because there are still some homework to be completed to care for this peace. One of them is the disclosure of the truth about past human rights violations, "said the Governor.

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The governor added, in a process of transition of justice, the disclosure of this truth is an absolute matter because history will continue to proceed based on the logic of time and nature. In the course of history, there is the potential for repetition of events that occurred in the past if the problem is not solved with the fairest.

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"Therefore dismantling the past is a necessity to maintain and care for a better future. By understanding the past, we are more careful to move forward in order to keep the bad history from recurring, "said Irwandi.

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However, in the context of the disclosure of past offense cases, Aceh still has a lot to learn from several other countries and from academics who are experienced in the work of democracy in various countries.

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"It is true that in Aceh, there has been a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR) which is responsible for exposing the truth in the past. Nevertheless, KKR Aceh has no experience in performing these tasks, "added the Governor. In addition, the Governor continued, many other challenges are also faced by the Aceh TRC officers, among others, the weak community memory, the disclosure of evidence, and the process of clarifying the truth.

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"But all of that should not make the Aceh KKR surrender. This institution must continue to work maximally, so that its duties and responsibilities can be carried out properly, so that the result can give a sense of justice to the community. " The governor realized that the duties and responsibilities of the Aceh KKR Commissioner were very heavy, because the issues it handled were very sensitive issues in the community. Moreover, these cases of human rights violations are closely related to law and justice. Therefore, the Governor invites all parties to continue to provide support to the Aceh KKR for this institution to work properly. In addition, the participation of Aceh democracy activists and support from all activists of democracy and human rights towards Aceh KKR would be welcomed with open arms.

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"We are also quite proud, because many other countries are making Aceh a model of peace they deserve. They have visited Aceh and studied every stage of the peace that took place in this area, "added the Governor.

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As is known, many of the countries currently in conflict come and learn the concept of Aceh peace. In addition, many foreign researchers have made Aceh a laboratory to learn ways to resolve peaceful conflicts.

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"Hopefully, various scientific activities, and exchanges of experience that have been going on so far can encourage the spirit of the Aceh TRC, so that truth-seeking efforts as part of the Transitional Justice system can work well, so that Aceh peace can be rely on as a model for world peace," concluded the Governor of Aceh .

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To be known together, dozens of practitioners, academics and commissioners of the Transitional Justice Commission or Truth Commission at the regional level comprising the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Timor Leste and Indonesia joined the Transitional Justice Asia Network in Aceh to share experiences.

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In this meeting, participants also held discussions with negotiators of the Free Aceh Movement, Bahtiar Abdullah and Munawar Liza Zainal. This activity was initiated by Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR), Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) Aceh and LBH Banda Aceh. (Ngah)