It has been eight years since the so-called ‘reformation’ was launched. It has also been eight years since extraordinary human rights abuse have nearly been forgotten. Regimes come and go, but since then, when Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was in power, there has been no justice available to modern day victims. SBY’s administration has failed to conduct any probe into any of the human rights violations that were committed over the years. The 1965 massacre, the Talangsari killings, Tanjung Priok, the 27 July 1996 operation, involuntary disappearance, Trisakti, Semanggi I & II and the May 1998 Tragedy are all not being investigation. Even the high profile Munir case, which involved the abominable assassination of a prominent Indonesia human rights defender, has become the latest blow for justice in that he was a prominent voice in the afore-mentioned cases.
The prospect of human rights in Indonesia seems bleak since the government covers up violations and seemingly protects the alleged perpetrators. The government also conceals truth and hides the identity of those responsible for committing human rights violations. The government takes many measures to ensure that impunity reigns as far as they are concerned over the atrocities of the old regime and is unwilling to resolve the cases because they themselves are in part the perpetrators. SBY’s administration should have the political will and courage to resolve the cases as he has promised. Moreover, he should use his influential standing to make accountable the suspects of human rights abuse, especially those who are under his command. For over eight years and counting, victims and families have struggled to articulate their expectation, their hope, and their demands to the government. Yet, the government continues to deny the victims justice.
This grave situation has encouraged victims and families to engage in silent demonstrations every Thursday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, in front of the Presidential Palace. The demonstrators wear black suits, while holding black umbrellas and photos of their family members, in a vivid act to symbolized their mourning. It is an emotional display that personifies the hopeless situation that has come about from the rejection by the government to take responsibility. They stand in silence and invite the public and government officials who are also concerned, to pay attention to their case. This display is part of a moral movement to promote human rights struggles to the public.
Since January 18 of this year, victims and their families have organized 8 demonstrations. Support has been strong and even celebrities have taken part including Rieke “Oneng” Diah Pitaloka and Sony Tulung. These silent demonstrations aim to attract many peoples who are concern with human rights issues in Indonesia.
The victim’s movement is inspired by a campaign launched by mothers in Argentina during the time of involuntary disappearance at the hands of a brutal military regime. The movement, which is called “Mother of the Plaza De Mayo”, has encouraged the mothers of Indonesia to take action. Every Thursday, the mothers of Plaza de Mayo stood in front of the Plaza to demand their disappeared sons. Since then, “Plaza de Mayo” has become a legendary movement around the world and is a symbol of a mother’s struggle, searching for her disappeared son.
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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.
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