Brigitta Belia Permata Sari, Jakarta – A Kamisan (Thursday) action coinciding with the 28th anniversary of reformasi – the political reform process that began in 1998 – touched on a number of human rights issues, from alleged human rights violations in Papua to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The protesters believe that the reformasi struggle is not over as long as human rights violations continue.
This was conveyed during a Kamisan Action at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Thursday May 21. Human rights activist Maria Sumarsih stated that the ideals of reformasi and democracy must continue to be fought for so that people can live justly, prosperously and safely.
"Reformasi and democracy must continue to be fought for so that the people's ideals of living justly, prosperously, and in safety can truly be realised. As long as the government refuses to implement the six agendas of reformasi, there is no hope of a Golden Indonesia in 2045", said Sumarsih.
Sumarsih believes that 28 years after reformasi, cases of gross human rights violations in Indonesia remain unresolved. She highlighted what she called impunity for various past human rights violations, including the 1998 tragedy.
"Cases of gross human rights violations are being allowed to happen. Violence continues and moreover the ones committing it are the authorities, perhaps the TNI [Indonesian Military], perhaps Polri [the National Police]", she said.
Sumarsih also touched on the intrusion of the military into civilian affairs. According to Sumarsih, this situation requires attention because it has the potential to undermine the spirit of reformasi.
"It should be that the TNI carries out its duties and obligations as holders of state sovereignty, not handling issues that should be delt with by civil servants", she said.
At the same action, Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) advocate Arif Rahmadi also highlighted the human rights situation in Papua. He stated that the Papuan people face various problems, including alleged land grabbing and increasing poverty.
"For us Papua is not empty land. There have been very serious human rights violations in Papua. There has been the confiscation of community assets and people's land by the government, which has resulted in increasing poverty for the Papuan people", said Rahmadi.
In addition to Papua, Rahmadi also highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He stated that the crisis in Palestine had been ongoing long before the latest conflict broke out in 2023.
"We want to emphasise that the occupation did not begin on October 7, 2023, but has been going on since 1948, when millions of Palestinians were forced to become refugees in their own homeland", he said.
Furthermore, news of nine Indonesian citizens who were reportedly detained while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission to Gaza also became a topic of discussion during the reformasi day commemoration. He urged the Indonesian government to take firm action to ensure the safety of these Indonesian citizens.
"We urge the Indonesian government to take an immediate and firm stance", he added. (bel/rfs)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Momentum 28 Tahun Reformasi, Aksi Kamisan Singgung Papua hingga Krisis Gaza".]
