MEMAHAMI TRAGEDI DUKUN SANTET BANYUWANGI 1998

Summary

The video discusses the 1998-1999 'santet killings' in Banyuwangi, East Java, where individuals accused of practicing black magic were murdered by mobs. Despite multiple investigations by organizations like Komnas HAM and Nahdlatul Ulama, the true masterminds behind the killings remain unknown. The violence spread across several regions, with hundreds of victims. Allegations suggest that security forces may have been complicit, but authorities were slow to intervene. The case remains unresolved, with the victims' families still facing social stigma, and the Indonesian government criticized for failing to fully pursue justice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'dukun santet' massacre in Banyuwangi, East Java, occurred between 1998 and 1999, resulting in widespread killings of individuals suspected of practicing black magic.
• 😀 According to police reports, there were 85 confirmed deaths, 3 serious injuries, and 7 minor injuries, with 227 people evacuated due to suspicion of being witch doctors.
• 😀 The local government recorded 115 victims, while NU (Nahdlatul Ulama) found that the massacre spread across 10 districts, with 163 deaths in total.
• 😀 A human rights investigation led by Komnas HAM in 2015 revealed that the killings were systematic, with 309 victims, including 154 in Banyuwangi, and evidence of gross human rights violations.
• 😀 Komnas HAM found that the massacre was not just a local event but a wider campaign orchestrated by influential actors using mass mobilization and propaganda to incite violence.
• 😀 The investigation uncovered that a radiogram sent by the Banyuwangi district head in 1998 listed suspected witch doctors, which led to further targeted killings.
• 😀 There was a recurring pattern in the killings, including the use of mass violence, marking of houses with signs like crosses, and the involvement of outside forces such as the military.
• 😀 Despite numerous investigations and findings, the true mastermind behind the massacre remains unknown, and no legal actions have been taken against the perpetrators.
• 😀 Authorities were criticized for their delayed or lack of intervention, with police fearing retaliation from the mob, which contributed to the escalation of violence.
• 😀 Even in 2023, the families of the victims continue to suffer from social stigma, and the Indonesian government has not taken sufficient action to bring justice for the massacre.

Q & A

What was the incident discussed in the transcript?

The transcript discusses a series of killings known as the 'santet' (witchcraft) killings that occurred between 1998 and 1999 in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia. Many people accused of practicing witchcraft were killed in a violent campaign involving local communities.

How many victims were reported in the santet killings?

The police investigation reported 85 victims killed, with 3 severely injured and 7 lightly injured. Other sources, such as NU (Nahdlatul Ulama) and legal aid organizations, reported varying numbers, with NU concluding that 163 people had died in five regions of East Java.

What role did the government and police play in the aftermath of the killings?

The police conducted an investigation and arrested 80 individuals suspected of being involved, but they failed to identify the masterminds behind the killings. Additionally, the government and police were criticized for their slow response and inability to prevent the escalation of violence.

How did Komnas HAM (National Commission on Human Rights) contribute to the investigation?

Komnas HAM initiated an investigation in 2015, concluding that the killings were part of a systematic human rights violation. They recorded 309 deaths and identified heavy violations, including propaganda and mass mobilization to carry out the murders.

What did the Komnas HAM investigation uncover about the nature of the killings?

Komnas HAM found a pattern of systematic killings, involving mass mobilization, identification of targets, and the use of signs like crosses or arrows on the victims' homes. They also found evidence of external involvement, including possibly military personnel from outside the local areas.

What was the significance of the radiogram mentioned in the investigation?

The radiogram, issued by the Banyuwangi regent in 1998, listed individuals suspected of practicing witchcraft. While it was intended to protect these individuals, it instead exacerbated the situation by making them targets of violence, leading to the subsequent killings of those listed.

Why did some investigators believe the killings were not just a local issue?

Investigators believed the killings were influenced by a broader political agenda, citing the involvement of external actors, including the military. Some sources even suggested that the violence was incited or exacerbated by the government's handling of ethnic tensions, especially concerning the Chinese community.

What was the response of the authorities when the investigations were brought up?

Authorities, including the police and military, were reluctant to discuss the events or provide full access to records. They cited the case as 'old' and claimed that relevant documents might have been destroyed, contributing to the lack of clarity and accountability.

What did the families of the victims face even years after the killings?

The families of the victims continue to live under the shadow of social stigma, with little to no closure. Despite the investigation findings, no legal action or significant government response has been made to bring justice or provide restitution to the victims' families.

What is the status of legal action regarding the santet killings as of 2023?

As of 2023, despite the findings from Komnas HAM and other investigations, no meaningful legal action has been taken. The case remains unresolved, with no perpetrators held accountable for the violence, leaving the incident shrouded in ambiguity and injustice.