In 2020, the Administrative Court ruled in favor of the victims’ families, but the Attorney General’s Office appealed the decision. In 2021, the Supreme Administrative Court overturned the ruling, and the Supreme Court later rejected the families’ cassation appeal.

The Semanggi I tragedy symbolizes the struggle for justice in Indonesia’s Reformasi movement. One of the significant achievements of Reformasi was the establishment of a legal framework for prosecuting gross human rights violations through the Human Rights Court, created under Law No. 26/2000.

However, over two decades after the law’s enactment, hopes for justice for the victims of Semanggi I and other human rights violations remain unfulfilled.

“The Human Rights Court, as one of the key fruits of Reformasi, seems to have been neglected in investigating major human rights violations, including Semanggi I,” said Usman Hamid. “The government, legal authorities, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), and all relevant institutions must fulfill the mandate of the Human Rights Court as outlined in Law No. 26/2000. A firm and consistent application of the law in cases of gross human rights violations is the only way to honor the victims and their families, who continue to wait for justice.”

Amnesty International Indonesia reiterates the call for accountability and urges the government to take meaningful steps to ensure that the victims of Semanggi I and all those affected by past violations receive the justice they deserve. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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