Dia Pergi dan Belum Kembali - Film Dokumenter Pendek

Summary

This emotional and poignant transcript reflects the impact of the May 1998 tragedy in Jakarta, where university students protested against the New Order government, leading to riots, violence, and the tragic loss of life. Wulan, a younger sister of a missing victim, shares her ongoing grief and search for justice, 25 years later. The story intertwines personal memories of her brother Stevanus, who vanished during the Klender Mall fire, with the continuing struggle of families seeking accountability. Through prayer, remembrance, and activism, the transcript highlights the enduring pain and unresolved trauma for those affected by the tragedy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The May 1998 tragedy in Jakarta involved military soldiers and police officers firing at university students protesting against the New Order government, resulting in casualties and public unrest.
• 😀 On May 14, 1998, Klender Mall was set on fire while hundreds of people were trapped inside, with no clear explanation of the perpetrators behind the arson.
• 😀 Wulan, a younger sibling of a victim, wrote an emotional essay about her missing brother, Stevanus, who disappeared during the Klender Mall fire.
• 😀 Stevanus, a 16-year-old student, went to Klender Mall during the riots and was never seen again, leaving his family with a deep sense of loss.
• 😀 Despite years of uncertainty, Stevanus's mother, Maria, and his family continue to remember him and hope for closure, expressing their ongoing pain from his disappearance.
• 😀 The tragedy of May 1998, marked by violent riots and human rights violations, has led to ongoing protests and demands for justice from the victims' families.
• 😀 On the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, families of the victims, including Wulan, gathered for a flower placing ceremony to honor their lost loved ones and continue advocating for justice.
• 😀 The government’s lack of accountability for the human rights violations during the May 1998 riots continues to frustrate victims’ families, with some considering non-judicial resolutions, while others remain determined to pursue justice.
• 😀 Stevanus was remembered as a kind and joyful young person, whose love for music and football brought happiness to those around him, creating lasting memories despite his disappearance.
• 😀 The script highlights the emotional journey of families seeking justice for the 1998 tragedy, underscoring the enduring sadness, the importance of remembrance, and the persistent fight for accountability.

Q & A

What was the May 1998 tragedy in Indonesia about?

The May 1998 tragedy in Indonesia involved a series of violent events, including riots, looting, and the brutal suppression of protests against the New Order government. Military soldiers and police fired on university students who were protesting, leading to many casualties. The events included the burning of Klender Mall in Jakarta, where hundreds of people were trapped and died.

How did Wulan's brother, Stevanus, disappear?

Stevanus disappeared during the riots and the burning of Yogya Plaza Klender Mall on May 14, 1998. His mother, Maria, was unable to locate him after hearing that the mall had burned down. Despite her efforts, he remained unaccounted for, and his fate is still unknown.

What emotional impact did Stevanus' disappearance have on his family?

Stevanus' disappearance had a profound emotional impact on his family. His mother, Maria, expresses the deep pain of losing her son, and Wulan, his younger sister, continues to carry the sadness of not having him home for 25 years. The family still struggles with grief and the uncertainty of his fate.

What was the role of humanitarian volunteers in the aftermath of the tragedy?

A team of humanitarian volunteers, led by Romo Sandyawan, visited the families of the victims in the year following the tragedy. They provided support, asking about the daily activities of the families and offering a sense of solidarity in the face of their grief.

How does Wulan continue to remember her brother, Stevanus, after all these years?

Wulan remembers her brother through prayers and rituals, like visiting the Pondok Ranggon Cemetery for a flower-placing ceremony. She also writes about her feelings and the impact of his disappearance, keeping his memory alive despite the passage of time.

What is the significance of the Pondok Ranggon Cemetery in relation to the May 1998 tragedy?

Pondok Ranggon Cemetery holds symbolic importance as the resting place for unidentified victims of the May 1998 tragedy. It has 113 graves created to honor those who disappeared during the events and whose identities remain unknown.

What message does Wulan convey about seeking justice for the victims of the May 1998 tragedy?

Wulan and other victims' families continue to call for justice for the atrocities committed during the May 1998 tragedy. They emphasize the need for both judicial and non-judicial means to address the human rights violations, and they refuse to let the tragedy be forgotten, even after 25 years.

How did the public react to the May 1998 riots and the actions taken by the government?

The public reacted with outrage, and the riots were fueled by dissatisfaction with the New Order government. Many people felt that justice was not served, leading to widespread demands for accountability, which have continued for decades without resolution.

What are the challenges faced by the families of victims in seeking justice for the May 1998 tragedy?

The families of the victims face significant challenges in seeking justice, including government inaction and the long passage of time. Some families have become weary, with some choosing to pursue non-judicial methods to resolve their cases, while others continue to push for a full investigation and judicial resolution.

What role does writing and public communication play in the fight for justice for the victims?

Writing and public communication are crucial tools for families like Wulan’s in their quest for justice. They use these mediums to raise awareness, engage the public, and communicate the ongoing need for accountability, even when they cannot directly confront government officials.