The Urgency of Establishing Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) To Resolve Gross Human Rights Violations in Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Aceh has a history of prolonged armed conflict, characterized by gross human rights violations. The conflict between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) was resolved in Helsinki, Finland, through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding included the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Aceh TRC) to address human rights abuse in Aceh. However, the government opted for a non-judicial approach, focusing on restoring victims' rights without uncovering the truth about perpetrators. This approach, which is consistent with the fundamental principles of addressing human rights abuses, has faced opposition from victims and their families because of the lack of accountability for perpetrators. Although established following relevant laws, the Aceh TRC has been shown to be ineffective in addressing serious human rights violations.