Prof. Dr. Lindra Darnela, S.Ag., M.Hum., a faculty member of the Master of Laws Program at the Faculty of Sharia and Law (FSH), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, was a speaker at the 2026 National Dissemination Forum held by the FSH Student Senate (SEMA) on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. Prof. Lindra, a Professor of International Law, discussed the resolution of gross human rights violations from the perspective of international law. The forum also featured Dr. Abdul Haris Semendawai, S.H., LL.M., Coordinator of the Follow-up Team on the Investigation Findings of Gross Human Rights Violations at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).

The forum’s theme was “Assessing the State’s Commitment: Challenges in Resolving Gross Human Rights Violations in Indonesia.” It took place in the FSH Theater Room at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Around 150 students attended, from FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga and other universities. The Dean of FSH, Prof. Dr. H. Ali Sodiqin, M.Ag., and the Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Saifuddin, S.HI., M.SI., were also present.

Prof. Lindra’s role as a national-level speaker is part of the recognition of Master of Laws faculty at FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga. It shows that the program’s faculty are recognized as experts at the national level and contribute to public discourse on human rights enforcement in Indonesia.

State Commitment from an International Law Perspective

In her presentation, Prof. Lindra said that resolving gross human rights violations requires consistent political commitment, stronger law enforcement institutions, and a firm commitment to victims. She described the Nuremberg Tribunal as a key milestone in the development of the principle of individual criminal responsibility. Under this principle, a person’s official position, including that of head of state or senior official, does not in itself exempt them from legal responsibility for crimes they commit.

Prof. Lindra also outlined the four categories of international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Understanding these categories, she said, is essential to recognizing the characteristics of international crimes and the legal frameworks used to address them.

She then linked human rights protection to Indonesia’s constitutional commitments and to the state’s obligations under international law. In Indonesia, the legal foundations for human rights protection include the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, and Law Number 26 of 2000 on Human Rights Courts.

In practice, however, Prof. Lindra noted that resolving gross human rights violations still faces many challenges. These include weak political will, a culture of impunity, difficulties in gathering evidence, institutional limitations, inadequate protection of victims and witnesses, and lengthy legal proceedings. She therefore called for stronger capacity and independence of law enforcement institutions, a review of the legal framework, and remedy policies that address victims’ needs. Civil society participation and human rights education are also important.

“Students can contribute through research, historical documentation, academic discussion, advocacy, and the responsible dissemination of information,” Prof. Lindra emphasized.

The Perspective of Komnas HAM

Abdul Haris Semendawai explained that under Law Number 26 of 2000, gross human rights violations comprise genocide and crimes against humanity. They are handled in several stages, from preliminary investigation by Komnas HAM to criminal investigation, prosecution, and trial. He referred to several events handled as alleged gross human rights violations, including the events of 1965–1966, 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 is hampered by difficulties in obtaining evidence and witness testimony, political factors, differing legal views, and accountability issues. He stressed that resolution cannot focus only on prosecuting perpetrators; it must also attend to the rights of victims and their families. Within the framework of transitional justice, there are four key elements: the right to know, the right to justice, the right to reparation, and the guarantee of non-recurrence.

The Dean’s Appreciation

In his opening remarks, Dean of FSH Prof. Ali Sodiqin praised the forum as an effort to strengthen the contribution of academics and students in responding to human rights issues. He said that resolving human rights issues requires collaboration among state institutions, universities, and the wider community. He also welcomed the collaboration with Komnas HAM and said the faculty is open to hosting similar academic activities in the future.

Through faculty involvement in national academic forums such as this one, the Master of Laws Program at FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga continues to strengthen its role in developing legal scholarship that responds to humanitarian and national issues.