JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Amnesty International Indonesia has called on Pope Francis to use his visit to Indonesia from September 3 to 6, 2024, as an opportunity to urge the country to address past human rights abuses and to halt ongoing violations linked to current development policies that are socially and environmentally damaging, particularly in Papua and Rempang.

“Pope Francis’ messages of peace, love, and dialogue are highly relevant in a world facing division and intolerance. This visit is crucial to reaffirm every nation’s commitment to human dignity and social justice,” said Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

“Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with the President and other key officials. This is a prime opportunity to push Indonesia to fulfill its human rights commitments, including addressing past serious human rights violations and protecting communities, including indigenous peoples, from flawed economic policies.”

The visit also provides a significant platform to advocate for the end of repressive policies against protests, call for peace in Papua, and prevent discriminatory practices against religious minorities. The murder of human rights activist Munir, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, also demands attention.

Indonesia, now an active member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, has yet to implement several important recommendations regarding past human rights abuses, ongoing violations linked to development policies, and the protection of religious minorities from attacks on their freedom of belief and places of worship.

Amnesty International Indonesia highlights unresolved cases of severe human rights violations, including the 1965/66 mass killings, Tanjung Priok 1984, Lampung 1989, the July 27, 1996 attacks, the 1997/98 abductions and disappearances of activists, the Trisakti and Semanggi shootings, the May 1998 riots, the Munir case, and extrajudicial killings in Papua.

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