PTUN Ruling on Fadli Zon Case Draws Criticism from Civil Coalition
The legal team of the Civil Coalition Against Impunity has condemned the Jakarta Administrative Court (PTUN) ruling that rejected the lawsuit regarding Culture Minister Fadli Zon’s statements denying the mass rapes of May 1998.
The ruling was read out via the e-court system on 21 April 2026, coinciding with Kartini Day. In a press conference on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, Virdinda Achmad, the legal representative of the Civil Coalition Against Impunity, described the decision as having a detrimental impact on victim protection. “This ruling is bad news for women’s safe spaces in this country,” Virdinda stated.
The Jakarta PTUN declared that the lawsuit by several citizens against Fadli Zon was inadmissible. The lawsuit concerned Fadli’s statements questioning the evidence of the 1998 mass rapes. In its verdict, the panel of judges granted the defendant’s exception regarding the court’s absolute authority. “On the merits of the case: the plaintiffs’ lawsuit is not accepted,” as quoted from the Jakarta PTUN e-court ruling. Additionally, the plaintiffs are required to pay court costs of Rp 233,000.
The coalition views the ruling as a regression in human rights enforcement and potentially perpetuating impunity. “This further distances victims and their families, especially in the May 1998 mass rape case, from justice,” Virdinda said.
She explained that the panel of judges did not delve into the merits of the case in the ruling. However, during the approximately six-month trial, the plaintiffs had submitted 95 pieces of evidence and presented witnesses and experts.
According to Virdinda, the procedural approach taken by the panel of judges avoids discussing the substantive issues, namely the revelation of the truth regarding the alleged May 1998 mass rapes. She also questioned the lengthy trial process if the lawsuit was ultimately rejected.
The coalition also highlighted the lack of corrective mechanisms through PTUN against actions by government officials. According to them, this situation indicates the weakness of the judiciary’s oversight function over government administrative actions. “If PTUN states it has no jurisdiction, then where can the public seek justice for officials’ actions suspected of violating the law and harming victims’ rights?” Virdinda stated.
She emphasised that the ruling reflects the weak commitment of judicial institutions in uncovering the truth and delivering justice for victims of gross human rights violations, particularly cases of sexual violence during the May 1998 riots.
The PTUN processed this case for approximately six months since its registration on 2 October 2026. The plaintiffs sued the government’s administrative action in the form of Fadli Zon’s official statement questioning the “supporting data” in the Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) report on May 1998.
Through a written statement on 16 May 2025 broadcast on 16 June 2025, as well as posts on the official Instagram account @fadlizon and the Ministry of Culture @kemenkebud, Fadli Zon stated, “…the TGPF report at that time only mentioned figures without solid supporting data, such as names, times, events, locations, or perpetrators. This is where caution and thoroughness are needed because it concerns the truth and the nation’s reputation. We must not shame our own nation… It is important to always adhere to legally and academically tested evidence, as is customary in historiography. Especially regarding figures and terms that are still problematic.”
Fadli Zon also stated that rewriting history aims to clarify various rumours that have long been considered facts. He cited the issue of the May 1998 mass rapes as one example he wishes to correct. “Mass rapes, says who? There has never been proof. It’s a story. If there is, show it. Is it in the history books?” Fadli Zon said on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.