ICTJ in the News

December 10, 2007

Support for Aceh Investigation

Radio Australia

There's a growing push for the establishment of a body to investigate the impact of the separatist war in the Indonesian province of Aceh.

Rights groups in Indonesia have begun lobbying Aceh's government to establish a truth commission for the former war torn province, where at least 20,000 people were killed.

A consortium of 26 activists groups launched their proposal in Jakarta this week.

The proposed truth commission would be different to a human rights tribunal, which has been strongly opposed by Jakarta, as it would not have judicial powers.

But such a commission would be an important part of healing for Aceh, says Galuh Wandita from the International Centre for Transitional Justice.

"There were thousands of atrocities committed during the conflict in Aceh, we have to look at these atrocities and learn from them," she said.

"How can we make sure that these crimes never get repeated in the future and how can we honor the victims?"

Ms Wandita said Aceh's governor Irwandi Yusuf supported the establishment of a commission.