The Civil Society Coalition Against Impunity is currently awaiting a crucial chapter in their legal efforts. The Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) is scheduled to read its verdict regarding case Number 303/G/2025/PTUN-JKT at the end of April 2026. This lawsuit was filed in response to a controversial statement by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon denying the mass rape tragedy of May 1998.
Marzuki Darusman, head of the 1998 Incident Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) representing the coalition, emphasized that this case is not merely an ordinary administrative dispute. According to him, Fadli Zon's statement labeling the humanitarian tragedy as "fantasy" and a "fairytale" without a clear data basis has wounded the public's sense of justice and harmed the dignity of law in the country.
In a press statement at the Amnesty International Indonesia office, Marzuki stressed that the PTUN judges' verdict will set an important precedent for national legal integrity. "Our hope is that the PTUN will serve as an entryway to restore decency in our legal practices. We are at a crossroads that determines public trust in the country's legal system," he said.
Furthermore, the plaintiffs urge the government to retract the statement and demand that Fadli Zon issue an open public apology. The coalition hopes the judges will grant the entire petition, including declaring the administrative actions taken by the defendant as an unlawful act by a government official.
Amid the prevailing pressure, Marzuki remains optimistic that the panel of judges will issue a ruling that sides with historical truth. This decision is expected to serve as momentum for reforming political morality while reminding policymakers to be more responsible in every public statement they make.
