Yuni and Daniel A. Fajri, Jakarta – The Imparsial (Indonesian Human Rights Monitor) Director Gufron Mabruri said that President Joko Widodo or Jokowi's move to award Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto the title of honorary general was a misstep.
"Giving the title of honorary general to officers who have been dismissed from military service is an anomaly, not only in military history but also Indonesian politics in general," Gufron told Tempo on Wednesday.
Gufron claimed that this decision was a political step from Jokowi that hurt victims of human rights abuse, annulling Prabowo's alleged involvement in past grave human rights violations.
He reminded the dismissal of Prabowo from military service due to his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and forced disappearance of pro-democracy activists in 1997-1998. An investigation by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has also determined this case to be a serious human rights violation.
"Thus, giving the title of honorary general to officers who have been dismissed from military service humiliates and damages the honor and dignity of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI)," said Gufron.
Jokowi awarded Prabowo at the TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap area, East Jakarta this morning. The award was in line with Presidential Decree Number 13/TNI/2024 dated 21st of February 2024.
Jokowi claimed that the reason for awarding Prabowo Subainto with the special four-star title was due to his contribution to the nation. Jokowi also said that the awarding has been verified by the council for decorations and honors.
The president dismissed reports that the decision was part of a political transaction. "Political transaction would have been conducted prior to the election," he said.