World's International Justice Day: Indonesia's Dark Past That Would Not Pass

On the 17th of July 1998, The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court was signed and it became the pioneer of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC was established for concerns regarding the need to have a permanent international court to deal with atrocities of criminal justice. 

Over 120 countries in the world have ratified this treaty as a way to enforce justice (International Criminal Court, n.d.). Set as The World International Justice Day, the establishment of this treaty also aimed to pave a way for better enforcement of human rights issues. 

Unfortunately, the ratification of this treaty has not been yet accepted by the Indonesian government. Indonesia's inability to reconcile with its past may be the cause of the delayed ratification of this treaty. While it may not be the only deciding factor, It is speculated that the reason the Indonesian government is still saying 'no' towards this treaty is because of the fear of international intervention in Indonesia's past (Ady, 2013). 

Indonesia's inability to reconcile with its past comes with insecurity and fear on its way to move forward. Many of the old remnants of Soeharto's higher government and military officials may potentially be exposed in correlation with Soeharto's injustices, and in turn, it would also expose some of Indonesia's darkest past for the world to see. If the status quo continues, Indonesia may face more obstacles ahead to enforce justice on its people.

Conclusion

In any way, shape or form, justice serves a purpose to keep a society function as it is the fundamental form of basic human rights. Subsequently, there must be enforcement of justice to prevent the potential of any wrongdoings. Indonesia may have come a long way on the path to justice enforcement, but many of Indonesia's dark pasts are still uncleared. Clearing, accepting, and reconciling with the past may lead to Indonesia's goal to enforce justice one step ahead than ever before and would lead to better justice systems and feelings of fulfillment. Happy World's International Justice day  2021.

Referensi

Ady. (2013, Juli 17). Pemerintah Masih Takut Meratifikasi Statuta Roma. Retrieved Juli 15, 2021, from hukumonline.com: https://www.hukumonline.com/berita/baca/lt51e6c2ca4777c/pemerintah-masih-takut-meratifikasi-statuta-roma

Down To earth. (2008, Mei). Suharto's Legacy. Retrieved Juli 15, 2021, from Down to Earth indonesia: https://www.downtoearth-indonesia.org/story/suhartos-legacy

International Criminal Court. (n.d.). Understanding The International Criminal Court. 49. Retrieved Juli 16, 2021

Kemlu RI. (2019, Maret 28). Indonesia dan Hak Asasi Manusia. Retrieved Juli 15, 2021, from Kementrian Luar Negeri Republik indonesia: https://kemlu.go.id/portal/id/read/40/halaman_list_lainnya/indonesia-dan-hak-asasi-manusia