Both Indonesia and South Korea have passed from despotic regimes to democratic governments that uphold human dignity. However, if one compares the results of Indonesia’s reformasi with the Gwangju uprising, it is clear that South Korea gained much more than Indonesia.

On this day (May 12) eleven years ago, Indonesia witnessed the killing of four Trisakti University students in an incident known ever since as the Trisakti Tragedy. This horrific tragedy was soon followed by an appalling riot. Many people disappeared. Hundreds of houses and commercial buildings were burnt down and thousands of people lost their livelihoods. Worse, it has been estimated that thousands of people were killed during the three-day riot. Hundreds of women were victims of extreme sexual violence. Those who were not directly affected suffered vicarious trauma and many fled Indonesia.

In Indonesia, human rights have not been effectively merged with the fight against AIDS. The country’s national HIV program lacks adequate measures to combat discrimination, social exclusion and other human rights violations against those who suffer from this fatal disease.

It is hard not to be pessimistic about the new Parliament’s concern for human rights. The only good news is that some human rights activists will potentially become legislative members. Hopefully their voices will not be silenced by the power of their political parties.

John’s condition is indeed grave and the care he is receiving is far from adequate. He is suffering truly inhuman treatment, incompatible with human rights principles. His sad story demonstrates the urgent need for an independent monitoring body to ensure that prisoners receive adequate care and treatment in the future.