JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Semanggi I tragedy, one of Indonesia’s darkest chapters of human rights violations, as Amnesty International Indonesia calls on the state to fully investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the unlawful deaths of students and civilians during the 1998 unrest.

The Semanggi I tragedy is a stark reminder of the ironies of the Reformasi era. It took place on November 13, 1998, the same day the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) ratified the Human Rights Decree (TAP MPR No. XVII/MPR/1998).

Despite the passage of this landmark decree, the events of Semanggi I remain unaddressed in terms of accountability, with no legal processes holding perpetrators—both on the ground and in the chain of command—accountable.

“Semanggi I is not just a tragic moment in history that claimed the lives of students and ordinary civilians, but a critical juncture in the struggle for Reformasi,” said Usman Hamid Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

“This tragedy reminds us of the students’ struggle for justice—from seeking accountability for the former president, to limiting presidential powers, and abolishing the military’s dual function. Sadly, these very principles of Reformasi are being undermined by some political elites today. The families of the victims have continued to fight for justice through the ‘Aksi Kamisan’ protests, a fight that remains far from over.”

Amnesty International Indonesia has emphasized that the struggle for justice remains unresolved. “The state has failed to deliver justice for the victims of Semanggi I, and there are growing signs that the government wants to suppress these events as though they were not severe human rights violations,” Hamid continued.