KISAH PETRUS PADA ZAMANNYA

Summary

The video explores Indonesia's controversial 'Petrus' operation, a violent campaign during the New Order regime aimed at eradicating crime through extrajudicial killings. Prominent figures like Adam Malik condemned the actions, advocating for legal processes, while others, like Amir Mahmud, supported the killings for public safety. Despite international criticism, the government, led by President Suharto, largely dismissed concerns until 1985 when the operation was officially halted. Suharto later acknowledged the operation in his autobiography, justifying the violence as necessary against extreme crime but emphasizing the importance of the rule of law. The narrative underscores the ongoing struggle between state authority and human rights.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Petrus' operations were controversial actions in Indonesia during the New Order regime, involving extrajudicial killings of suspected criminals.
• 🤔 Adam Malik, a key figure, condemned these operations, emphasizing that they violated Indonesia's legal principles.
• 👍 Amir Mahmud, the Chairman of the MPR/DPR, supported the Petrus operations, arguing they were necessary for public safety.
• 🤫 President Suharto avoided commenting extensively on the operations and denied military involvement in the killings.
• 🔍 Amnesty International raised concerns about human rights violations and sent letters to the Indonesian government, which were largely ignored.
• 🚨 The Petrus operations faced increasing international pressure and condemnation, leading to their cessation in 1985 after thousands of deaths.
• 📚 In his autobiography, Suharto acknowledged the need for violent measures against extreme criminality while expressing hope that such actions would not recur.
• ⚖️ The speaker stresses the importance of Indonesia maintaining its status as a lawful state and resolving issues through legal means.
• 🔄 The conflicting opinions among national leaders highlight the complex balance between security measures and human rights.
• 📝 The narrative serves as a reminder of the historical challenges faced by Indonesia in addressing crime and governance during a tumultuous period.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the Petrus operations in Indonesia?

The Petrus operations focused on targeting and executing suspected criminals without trial, which was justified by the government as a means to maintain public safety.

Who was Adam Malik and what was his stance on the Petrus operations?

Adam Malik was a prominent Indonesian politician who criticized the Petrus operations, arguing that extrajudicial killings contradicted Indonesia's status as a law-abiding nation.

How did Amir Mahmud view the Petrus operations?

Amir Mahmud, the chairman of the MPR or DPR RI at the time, supported the operations, claiming they were necessary to combat crime and ensure safety for the Indonesian populace.

What was President Suharto's response to the Petrus operations?

President Suharto was largely silent on the issue, denying military involvement and suggesting that the deaths were the result of gang warfare rather than state-sponsored actions.

What actions did Amnesty International take in response to the Petrus operations?

Amnesty International condemned the Petrus operations as violations of human rights and sent letters to the Indonesian government seeking clarification on their policies regarding these extrajudicial killings.

What was the outcome of the international pressure regarding the Petrus operations?

Due to continuous international condemnation and accusations of human rights violations, the Indonesian government officially halted the Petrus operations in 1985.

How did Suharto justify the use of violence in his later writings?

In his autobiographies, Suharto acknowledged the use of violence as a necessary measure to combat severe criminality, implying that it was a means to protect the nation.

What did the narrator imply about the concept of a law-abiding state in Indonesia?

The narrator emphasized that Indonesia should adhere to legal processes and avoid extrajudicial actions, reinforcing the idea that the country must operate within the framework of law.

What were the consequences of the Petrus operations for Indonesian society?

The Petrus operations led to widespread fear and mistrust within society, as thousands of suspected criminals were killed without due process, raising significant ethical and legal concerns.

What lesson does the narrator hope the audience takes away regarding governance and law enforcement?

The narrator hopes that the audience understands the importance of maintaining a legal framework for governance and law enforcement, advocating against the repetition of past mistakes in handling crime.