President Jokowi hesitated to express regret over 12 cases of severe human rights violation. After a long debate, the PPHAM team finally agreed not to recommend an apology from the President. This move is supported by Islamic clerics and retired military officers.

The government is divided on the electric vehicles subsidy program soon to be launched.

Prosecutors strongly believe Brig. Yosua’s affair with Putri Candrawathi was the motive behind his murder. Putri Candrawathi offers a weak case for accusing Yosua of rape.

Makarim Wibisono talks about a myriad of problems faced by the Non-Judicial Resolution Team for Past Serious Human Rights Violations.

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promises to protect Indonesian migrant workers.

Letters about international trade and public transportation.

Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman

An investigation by Tempo found illegal nickel mining by people claiming to be close to the authority.

History seems to want to close wounds. As though wanting to wipe trauma, the past begs for forgiveness.

PEOPLE burn prayer papers during the Sang Sin ritual at Tay Kak Sie Temple in Semarang, Central Java, Sunday, January 15. The annual ritual, which was also held at several other temples in the city, was served to mark the ascension of Toa Pek Kong or God of Prosperity to heaven to face God Almighty before the congregants carried out the bathing of the god statue. The ritual was part of the celebrations to welcome the 2574 Chinese New Year. ANTARA/Aji Styawan

SOUTHEAST Asia has faced numerous human rights violations and abuses, ranging from the worst crimes against the Rohingya and other religious and ethnic minorities in Myanmar to extra-judicial killings in the Philippines under President Duterte’s administration. Many enforced disappearances have also occurred across the region, along with violence against human rights and democracy defenders, attacks on freedom of religion and belief, freedom of expression, and some other incidents. 

It does not mean the region has no institution that addresses human rights issues. Since 2009, member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have had the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights or AICHR. But critics said this body has been ineffective and ‌incapable of protecting human rights in the region. 

To commemorate the International Human Rights Day on December 10, TEMPO TALKS presents Yuyun Wahyuningrum, the representative of Indonesia to AICHR who will explain about human rights problems in the region and how her organization addresses the issue on TEMPO TALKS