Resolving gross human rights violations cannot stop at legal proceedings. It also demands that the truth be revealed, victims' rights be restored, and the state commit to preventing recurrence. These issues were the focus of the 2026 National Dissemination organized by the Student Senate (SEMA) of the Faculty of Sharia and Law (FSH) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta on Tuesday, October 27.

Held under the theme "Measuring the State's Commitment: Challenges in Resolving Gross Human Rights Violations in Indonesia," the event took place in the Theatrical Room of FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga. It drew about 150 participants, made up of FSH students and students from various other universities.

The dissemination featured Dr. Abdul Haris Semendawai, S.H., LL.M., Coordinator of the Follow-Up Team for the Results of Investigations into Gross Human Rights Violations at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), and Prof. Dr. Lindra Darnela, S.Ag., M.Hum., Professor of International Law at FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga. The event was also attended by FSH Dean Prof. Dr. H. Ali Sodiqin, M.Ag., and FSH Vice Dean III Dr. Saifuddin, S.HI., M.SI.

In his welcome remarks, FSH Dean Ali Sodiqin praised the event as part of efforts to strengthen the contribution of academics and students in responding to human rights issues in Indonesia. In his view, resolving human rights problems requires collaboration among many parties, not only state institutions but also universities and other elements of society.

He stressed that the academic culture at FSH encourages students to think critically, uphold integrity, and care about national issues. Various student communities and organizations, such as the Center for Legal Studies and Consultation (PSKH), the Constitutional Observers Community (KPK), and the Moot Court Community (KPS), give students room to develop critical thinking through discussion and scholarly study.

Ali Sodiqin hoped the dissemination would broaden students' understanding of human rights issues and inspire real contributions to the faculty, society, and nation. He also praised the collaboration with Komnas HAM and said the faculty is open to holding similar academic events in the future.

In the first presentation, Abdul Haris Semendawai explained that resolving gross human rights violations in Indonesia still faces many challenges, from unfinished law enforcement to fulfilling victims' rights. Revealing the truth, legal accountability, and victim recovery are important for achieving justice and preventing similar violations from happening again.

He explained that under Law No. 26 of 2000 on Human Rights Courts, gross human rights violations include genocide and crimes against humanity. Handling them involves several stages, from investigation by Komnas HAM to further investigation, prosecution, and trial through the judicial process in accordance with applicable provisions.

Several events that are part of the handling of alleged gross human rights violations in Indonesia were also discussed, including the 1965-1966 events, Talangsari, the enforced disappearances of 1997-1998, the May 1998 riots, Trisakti and Semanggi, Wasior, Wamena, and Paniai.

According to Abdul Haris, resolving these cases faces obstacles such as difficulty obtaining evidence and witness testimony, political factors, differing legal views, and issues of accountability. This shows the importance of effective law enforcement mechanisms that can meet victims' need for truth and justice.

He emphasized that resolving gross human rights violations should not focus only on prosecuting perpetrators. The rights of victims and their families must also receive attention through adequate recovery efforts. Within the framework of transitional justice, there are four important aspects: the right to know the truth, the right to justice, the right to reparation, and the guarantee of non-recurrence of violations.

Abdul Haris also highlighted the strategic role of students and young people in building a culture of respect for human rights. This role can take the form of learning history critically, rejecting discrimination, spreading accurate information, and taking part in discussion and advocacy that supports human rights protection.

The second presentation was delivered by Lindra Darnela, who discussed Indonesia's commitment to resolving gross human rights violations from an international law perspective. She explained that resolving these cases requires consistent political commitment, stronger law enforcement institutions, and a stance in favor of victims.

From an international law perspective, the Nuremberg Trials were an important milestone in developing the principle of individual criminal responsibility. This principle affirms that a person's position, including as a head of state or senior official, does not by itself exempt them from legal responsibility for crimes they commit.

Lindra also outlined four categories of international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Understanding these categories is important for recognizing the characteristics of international crimes and the legal framework used to handle them.

She further linked human rights protection to Indonesia's constitutional commitment and the state's obligations under international law. The foundations of human rights protection in Indonesia include the 1945 Constitution, Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, and Law No. 26 of 2000 on Human Rights Courts.

In practice, however, resolving gross human rights violations still faces challenges, such as weak political will, a culture of impunity, difficulty of proof, institutional limits, insufficient protection for victims and witnesses, and lengthy legal processes.

For this reason, it is necessary to strengthen the capacity and independence of law enforcement institutions, evaluate the legal framework, and adopt recovery policies that consider victims' needs. Civil society participation and human rights education are also seen as important for encouraging fairer resolutions.

Lindra stressed that students can contribute through research, historical documentation, scholarly discussion, advocacy, and responsible dissemination of information.

Through the 2026 National Dissemination, FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga provided a space for academic dialogue that brought together the perspectives of a state institution and international law studies in discussing the challenges of resolving gross human rights violations in Indonesia.

The discussions of both speakers underscored the connection among revealing the truth, legal accountability, fulfilling victims' rights, and preventing recurrence. A comprehensive resolution requires not only an adequate legal framework but also state commitment, stronger institutions, and public support.

The event is expected to broaden students' understanding of developments in human rights law, raise sensitivity to humanitarian issues, and strengthen the role of young people in promoting law enforcement and respect for human rights. By strengthening a critical and collaborative academic culture, UIN Sunan Kalijaga continues to open space for developing knowledge that responds to the problems of society and the nation. (humassk)