Fadli Zon to Be Questioned by House Over 1998 Mass Rape Denial

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Representatives' Commission X plans to summon Minister of Culture Fadli Zon on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to seek clarification on several recent controversies, including his statement that the mass rape during the May 1998 Riots was merely a rumor lacking evidence.

Vice Chairman of Commission X, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, said the meeting was originally scheduled to discuss the state budget but would also address historical issues. "We will include a discussion to clarify these matters," Lalu said at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, July 1.

According to Lalu, even though Fadli claimed his remarks were personal, he is still expected to explain them. "The public uproar is centered on that statement. He must clarify it, especially in his capacity as Minister of Culture," said the National Awakening Party (PKB) politician. "We are seeking his explanation in his official role."

Fadli Zon came under fire after referring to the 1998 mass rape incident as a rumor. He later explained that the statement was his personal view and not intended as a historical assertion.

He said the controversy stemmed from his questioning of the word "mass" in the context of the May 1998 case. He argued that there must be concrete and academic evidence, including the identities of the victims and locations of the incidents.

"That is my personal opinion. It has nothing to do with history, and in a democracy, differing views are allowed. If anyone has evidence of what qualifies as 'mass,' please present it," said Fadli after a presentation at the second wave of the regional head retreat at IPDN in Sumedang, West Java, on Tuesday, June 24, as quoted by Antara.

Fadli acknowledged that sexual violence occurred in May 1998, but expressed doubt that it was systematic or widespread. He believes that if it were truly mass rape, it would need to be proven as organized, structured, and large-scale.

"I am certain sexual violence occurred at the time, but whether it was systematic is another matter," said the Gerindra Party politician.

He also questioned whether anyone today can provide evidence proving that the violence met those criteria. According to Fadli, using the term "mass rape" without clear evidence could harm Indonesia's image.

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