Franz calls for real truth on commission

JAKARTA: Philosopher and rights campaigner Franz Magnis Suseno urged on Thursday for selection of people with credibility and integrity to sit on the 21-member Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which will be set up in the next several months.

Speaking during a discussion on the newly approved commission, he said the demand for justice would be the most important goal of the establishment of the commission. He said the commission should not be about victims of violence getting revenge.

"Reconciliation can only happen if the victims get justice," Magnis said.

Arief Priyadi, the father of Wawan, one of the university students who was shot and killed during the 1998 Semanggi disaster, was skeptical about the commission's ability to shed light on the incident

The House of Representatives endorsed on Thursday the truth and reconciliation bill, which mandates the establishment of the commission no later than six months after it becomes law. -- JP