Indonesian public figures push to prosecute the Myanmar junta for rights abuse

10 September 2022
Indonesian public figures push to prosecute the Myanmar junta for rights abuse
This aerial picture shows business district in downtown Jakarta. Photo: AFP

A group of public figures in Indonesia has petitioned the constitutional court for permission to file a case against the Myanmar junta for suspected crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, according to EFE news service.

The unprecedented petition to prosecute Myanmar’s military in Indonesia is based on its law’s recognition of the principle of universal jurisdiction, the report says.

Lawyer Feri Amsari told EFE that the Indonesian constitution adheres to the principle of universal jurisdiction, which is why it speaks of the whole world and not all citizens.

“All human rights laws should protect not only the citizens of the country, but the whole world,” Amsari adds.

The petition will be examined by the constitutional court within the boundaries of Indonesian law, the report says.

The penal code of Indonesia restricts prosecution for human rights abuses committed outside of the country to Indonesian nationals exclusively.

Indonesia’s Alliance of Independent Journalists has also backed the petition.

The signatories of the call recognize that Myanmar is a member the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN). The regional bloc has been trying to mediate between pro-democracy leaders and the military junta that seized power in a coup in February 2021. Although the junta signed an ASEAN five-point consensus aimed at bringing peace to the country, it has not taken any steps to adhere to the guidelines.