Jakarta, June 15 -- Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has voiced concern over recent remarks by Culture Minister Fadli Zon, who questioned the credibility of reported sexual violence against women during the May 1998 unrest.

"The survivors have borne the burden in silence for too long. This denial is not only painful but also perpetuates impunity," Commissioner Dahlia Madanih said on Sunday.

Komnas Perempuan highlighted findings from the government-sanctioned fact-finding team investigating the 1998 riots, which led to the fall of Suharto's New Order regime. The report documented 85 cases of sexual violence, including 52 rapes.

Madanih noted that then-President B. J. Habibie received the repor...