Plaintiffs in Fadli Zon Case to Appeal After PTUN Rejects Lawsuit
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The plaintiffs in the case alleging denial of the mass rapes of May 1998 have stated they will file an appeal against the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN)’s decision not to accept the lawsuit.
“Certainly, we will pursue an appeal to the High Administrative Court,” said Daniel Winarta, Public Defender of LBH Jakarta, during a press conference at Komnas Perempuan on Wednesday (22/4/2026).
As is known, the lawsuit targets Culture Minister Fadli Zon, who denied the occurrence of mass rapes during the May 1998 riots.
Daniel emphasised that the lawsuit is inseparable from efforts to affirm the PTUN’s authority to adjudicate cases related to government administrative actions.
According to him, official statements issued by the Ministry of Culture through press releases, social media, or its official website are part of factual government actions.
He explained that in the upcoming appeal memorandum, his side will emphasise that such statements fall within the scope of state administrative law.
Daniel also referred to several bases that strengthen the plaintiffs’ position, including the findings of the Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF), statements by Indonesia’s third president B.J. Habibie, and Komnas HAM investigations that have categorised the May 1998 events as gross human rights violations.
“This is a factual action that should be resolved through the state administrative court mechanism. That is the most important thing,” he said.
Previously, on Tuesday (22/4/2026), PTUN Jakarta stated it lacked jurisdiction to hear the lawsuit.
“Considering that based on the legal considerations outlined above, the Court is convinced to declare that the Jakarta State Administrative Court absolutely lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate this dispute,” as quoted from the decision copy on Wednesday (22/4/2026).
The object of the dispute in this case is the Ministry of Culture’s press release No. 151/Sipers/A4/HM.00.005/2025, dated 16 May 2025.
This press release was disseminated to the public on 16 June 2025 via the official account of Culture Minister Fadli Zon and the official Ministry of Culture account.