Erika Anindita Dewi, Jakarta – Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto must clarify allegations of his involvement in human rights abuse cases, a lawmaker has said.
"This is a chance for him to explain," said Didik Mukrianto, a secretary to the Democratic Party's faction in the House of Representatives, in Jakarta on Friday.
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo appointed former Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Wiranto to lead the office that was previously led by Luhut Pandjaitan, in the second Cabinet shake-up on Wednesday.
Wiranto's appointment sparked protests from human rights activists, who accused him of being involved in human rights abuses in East Timor (now Timor Leste) in 1999, after the referendum that ended with the separation of the region from Indonesia.
The coordinating political, legal, and security affairs minister is among people who will solve problems, including human rights issues, said Didik, a member of the House's Commission III overseeing legal affairs.
"I think Wiranto doesn't want to be burdened by past problems. Therefore, it's better for him to explain the issue," he added. (bbn)