PELANGGARAN HAM DI INDONESIA

Summary

The speaker reflects on Indonesia's painful history, focusing on the 1965 anti-communist purge and the 1998 Trisakti tragedy, highlighting the ongoing human rights violations and societal trauma. They discuss the government’s disregard for its citizens' suffering, and the repression faced by those who question authority. Through vivid personal stories and strong critiques, the speaker calls for acknowledgment of past atrocities, urging a transformation toward justice and freedom. The video touches on themes of censorship, identity, and the need for a more open, democratic society in Indonesia.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Aksi Kamisan' movement is a weekly protest by parents searching for their lost children, particularly those who were victims during Indonesia's political turmoil in 1965.
• 😀 This movement involves parents standing in front of the Presidential Palace every Thursday for over seven years, holding black umbrellas and asking, 'Where is my child?'
• 😀 The Indonesian government's response to this issue, especially regarding human rights violations, has been lacking, with no personal responses from the President to the affected families' letters.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the emotional journey of a parent raising a child, from birth to adulthood, and the pain of losing a child or not knowing their whereabouts.
• 😀 Indonesia's history of human rights violations, especially during the G30S/PKI event in 1965, is highlighted. The government engaged in mass killings and torture, allegedly targeting communists.
• 😀 The speaker discusses how being labeled as 'communist' in Indonesia has historically led to persecution and even death, without proper legal proceedings.
• 😀 Atheism in Indonesia is equated to communism in terms of stigma and danger, with the government positioning atheism as incompatible with the national ideology of Pancasila.
• 😀 The idea of 'Neo-communism' is discussed, where people who challenge the status quo or reject traditional beliefs are often branded as enemies of the state, despite not engaging in violent acts.
• 😀 There is a cultural clash where being openly different or identifying as LGBTQ+ in Indonesia leads to severe social and legal consequences, which contrasts with greater freedom of expression abroad, like in the U.S.
• 😀 The speaker recounts the tragic Trisakti massacre, where student protesters were killed by security forces during a demonstration against Soeharto's regime in 1998. The speaker criticizes those who nostalgically long for the authoritarian rule of Soeharto.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'aksi kamisan' mentioned in the script?

The 'aksi kamisan' refers to a weekly protest in Indonesia held every Thursday by families of victims of human rights abuses, particularly those whose loved ones disappeared during the political turmoil in 1965. The protesters gather in front of the Presidential Palace to demand answers and justice, despite their efforts being largely ignored by the government.

Why does the speaker emphasize the tragic story of a mother waiting for her missing child for seven years?

The story of the mother symbolizes the pain and frustration of families affected by enforced disappearances and human rights abuses. The mother's unrelenting wait for her child, despite receiving no answers, underscores the emotional toll of such tragedies and the government's indifference to their plight.

What historical event does the speaker refer to when talking about the 1965 tragedy in Indonesia?

The speaker refers to the anti-communist purges in Indonesia that took place following the alleged 1965 coup attempt by the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). This resulted in mass executions and persecution of those suspected of being communists, with estimates of the death toll ranging from 500,000 to over a million people.

How does the speaker critique the government's handling of human rights abuses?

The speaker criticizes the government for its lack of accountability regarding past human rights violations, especially the 1965 tragedy. They point out that even after many years, victims' families have not received justice or recognition, with the government refusing to address the issue or offer any meaningful reparations.

What does the speaker mean by 'Neo-communism' and why is it discussed?

The term 'Neo-communism' is used ironically by the speaker to highlight how the government equates any form of dissent, especially atheism or opposition to the state, with communism. The speaker sarcastically points out the absurdity of this view, noting that communism as an ideology is outdated and irrelevant in the modern world.

How does the speaker address the issue of religious and political persecution in Indonesia?

The speaker highlights how individuals in Indonesia, particularly those who identify as atheists or hold political views contrary to the mainstream, are often persecuted. They emphasize that being labeled as a communist or atheist can lead to societal and legal retribution, reflecting the country's deep-seated political and religious intolerance.

Why does the speaker mention the Trisakti University incident in the script?

The Trisakti University incident is mentioned as an example of the violent repression faced by students and activists under the Soeharto regime. During the May 1998 riots, four students were shot and killed by security forces while protesting against the government's economic policies. The speaker uses this event to highlight the government's violent response to dissent and the lasting scars it left on the Indonesian people.

What role does humor play in the speaker's narrative?

Humor is used by the speaker as a coping mechanism to address serious and painful topics such as human rights abuses, political violence, and social repression. Through irony, sarcasm, and wit, the speaker is able to provide a critique of the government's actions while making the difficult subject matter more accessible and engaging for the audience.

What point does the speaker make by mentioning 'the character of the nation' during protests?

The speaker uses the idea of 'the character of the nation' to emphasize the Indonesian people's resilience and practical nature. Despite the violence and chaos of political protests, the speaker illustrates that ordinary citizens, such as street vendors, continue with their daily lives unaffected by the larger political struggles around them, highlighting a certain nonchalant survivalism in Indonesian culture.

What does the speaker suggest about the state of human rights in Indonesia today?

The speaker suggests that human rights violations continue to occur regularly in Indonesia, often unnoticed or ignored by the public. They argue that many Indonesians lack a proper understanding of human rights, which allows such violations to persist without significant resistance or reform.