Jouwe was a member of the New Guinea Council, the legislature established in 1961 by the Netherlands in its former territory of West New Guinea. He was the highest ranking Papuan in the colony as the Dutch were preparing it for independence.

When control of the territory was transferred to Indonesia from 1963, Jouwe and his family left to settle in the Netherlands from where he campaigned for an independent West Papua.

He became a permanent advisor to Dutch delegations to the United Nations and the South Pacific Commission. Jouwe was given a knighthood by the Queen of The Netherlands for his distinguished services to the government in relation to Papuan affairs.

Although he vowed never to return to his homeland if it were still occupied by Indonesia, Jouwe returned for a visit to Papua in 2009 upon an Indonesian government invitation. He returned to Indonesia to settle again in 2010.

Jouwe died on Saturday in Indonesia's capital. His body is expected to be flown to Jayapura in Papua province later this week for burial.

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/339663/west-papuan-independence-founder-dies

West Papuan liberation movement focused on UN plans

Radio New Zealand International - September 18, 2017

The West Papua National Coalition for Liberation says its decolonisation aspirations are focussed on action at the United Nations.

The Coalition is one of the key groups within the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, which is pushing for internationally-facilitated negotiation with Indonesia over Papua's political status.

Various Papuan civil society, church and customary leaders met with Indonesia's president Joko Widodo last month about establishing dialogue over problems in Papua.

However self-determination is not expected to be on the agenda in the dialogue, in which the Liberation Movement is not involved.

The Coalition's chairman Andy Ayamiseba says the Movement rejects direct dialogue with Jakarta because it considers Indonesia an illegal occupier in Papua.

Transcript

Andy Ayamiseba: So if we dialogue with an illegal occupant, that means we recognise Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, which is in dispute at the moment. So we categorically reject the offer of dialogue with Jakarta. We are going to follow our roadmap which is to release the issue (Papuan self-determination) back into the (UN) decolonisation committee.

Johnny Blades: That's about the process by which West Papua was incorporated into the republic?

AA: Yes, that is correct. Because we are the mouthpiece of the Papuan people's aspirations. So we have to stand on what the people have instructed us to do. We can't dialogue with Jakarta who try to make us believe that is the right path. We stand against the illegal transfer of West Papua to Indonesia. That is what we are challenging at the moment. We have a roadmap at the moment, where things have to go back to where it was. Before, we were listed on the decolonisation committee, and through an illegal process somehow we were transferred to Indonesia. So we're challenging it now. We're challenging it through legal means as well – not only politically, but through legal means as well.

JB: Whereabouts, is this in the ICJ (International Court of Justice)? Where is the legal avenue?

AA: That is where the International Lawyers for West Papua (come in).

JB: Is there a legal case?

AA: There will be a legal case, we have to justify to the UN, so we could act on the basis of the legal opinion given by the International Court, yeah.

JB: What do you feel about the current mood in the international community about West Papua, do you think it's changed over the years?

AA: Yes. I think we're gaining the momentum, while Indonesia has reached a ceiling. They can't go further than where they were now. We are gaining momentum. We have raised the issue around the world, so we just wait for the process to proceed. I believe that the Pacific countries' Coalition for West Papua is going to table that (issue) in the UN at this coming meeting (of the General Assembly, beginning this week).

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201858756/west-papuan-liberation-movement-focussed-on-un-plans

Papua NU chairman: Papua is part of NKRI and is undisputed

Netral News - September 15, 2017

Cermin Bangsa, Jayapura – Chairman of Nahdatul Ulama (NU) of Papua Province DR H Tonny Wanggai believes that the establishment of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is a final or undisputed agreement of the best sons and daughters of Papua together with youth from various regions in Indonesia.

"The embryo of the founding of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is because the role of youth who came from various regions in Indonesia and has agreed to join the 1928 Youth Pledge, including from Papua," said Tonny Wanggai in Jayapura, Papua, Friday (9/15/2017).

This statement was deliberately made by one of the academics at the renowned campus in Jayapura to assert to the youth of Cendrawasih Land that their role is very important in the present struggle by becoming actors in development in every field.

"So, reflecting on the sons and daughters of Papua who had long pledged to become one nusa [archipelago], one nation and one country of Indonesia in 1928 in Jakarta," he said.

According to him, it is worth noting that since October 28, 1928, the best sons and daughters of Papua were also involved in the Youth Pledge.

"This can be known through the parents [father and mother] of Ramses Ohee who now serves as Chairman of Barisan Merah Putih (BMP) [Red-White Front] of Papua, and also my grandfather, Mr. Atai Karubaba participated in the Youth Pledge on October 28, 1928 in Jakarta," he said.

This proves that since 1928 before independence until 1945, Papuan sons and daughters have also struggled in establishing the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and some of the names of those who are now appointed as national heroes are Frans Kaisepo, Silas Papare, Marten Indey and Abraham Dimara.

"These four people indicated there are Indonesian heroes from Papua, it is a historical evidence that the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia stands on the involvement of Papuan figures at that time," he said.

Another history recorded legally on November 19, 1969, out of the UN resolution that Papua, which was then West Irian, was part of the legitimate Republic of Indonesia. It is supported by many foreign countries and no one refuses, one of them from Egypt.

Papua now has the privilege of special autonomy, which aims to accelerate development in all fields so that it is the full authority to manage the existing wealth with full responsibility and wisdom.

"We become leaders in our own country, I think that's the best solution for the people of Papua," he said. (*)

Source: http://www.en.netralnews.com/news/currentnews/read/11268/papua.nu.chairman.papua.is.part.of.nkri..undisputed

Military ties

Komodo naval exercise to be held in Lombok next year

Jakarta Post - September 15, 2017

Panca Nugraha, Mataram – The 3rd Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2018 is to be held next May in the waters of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and is expected to involve at least 42 warships from 42 countries.

The Indonesian Navy is currently preparing for the event, which will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The naval exercise will be the third to be hosted by Indonesia following 2014's inaugural MNEK in Batam, Riau Islands, and the MNEK 2016 in West Sumatra's provincial capital of Padang and the Mentawai Islands.

Col. Feri Supriadi, a member of the Eastern Fleet Command team that is organizing the exercise, said the MNEK also aimed to promote tourism in the area and to provide local citizens with social assistance.

"We are collaborating with the NTB tourism office to support the province's tourism sector through this event," Feri told a press conference on Wednesday in Mataram, NTB.

During the exercise, the crews of the participating warships – which will anchor in the waters off Lembar Port – are expected to assist in repairing public facilities on Lombok, such as village roads, houses of worship and public toilets.

"A hospital ship will also offer free healthcare services at Carik Port, North Lombok," Feri added. (ipa)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/15/komodo-naval-exercise-to-be-held-in-lombok-next-year.html

Pki & anti-communism

TNI chief challenged to screen Jagal and Senyap, not just anti

Viva - September 20, 2017

Dedy Priatmojo, Reza Fajri – House of Representatives (DPR) Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction member Eva Sundari says that TNI (Indonesian military) chief General Gatot Nurmantyo must be balance in screening the historical film about the 1965 affair.

According to Eva, they should not just screen the "Treachery of the September 30 Movement/Indonesian Communist Party" (Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI), but other films like "Jagal", "Senyap" and "The Year of Living Dangerously" should also be seen by the public.

The award-winning documentary films Jagal (The Act of Killing, 2012) and Senyap (The Look of Silence, 2014) by Joshua Oppenheimer, tell the story of the executioners during the 1965 mass killings. Screenings of both films have been banned or closed down by various parties.

The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) meanwhile, is a film starring Mel Gibson and tells the story of the situation in Jakarta in 1965. The film was banned by the Suharto dictatorship when it was released.

"The TNI commander must be fair, don't just allow the New Order propaganda version to be shown, but other versions as well. Jagal and Senyap as well, including Mel Gibson's film The Living Dangerously Years [sic]. As well as supporting similar films for the millennial generation as has been suggested by President [Joko Widodo]", said Eva in Senayan, Jakarta on Monday September 20.

According to Eva, if the TNI only pushes the one version, specifically the New Order regime's version, then the TNI will give the impression of being political, which it is not allowed to be.

"Don't just endorse one version, it will become political. The TNI's main role isn't related to politics right. We sincerely [want to] enlighten the nation", said Eva.

The PDI-P politician says that the TNI as an institution must also be progressive in how it views future national threats. According to Eva, the most real threat at the moment is extremism.

"Religious extremists have already set off many bombs but it's not considered a threat. There's the film 'Jihad Selfie', its more relevant to hold mass screenings of that because it's contextual", said Eva.

Earlier TNI chief General Gatot Nurmantyo admitted that he had indeed ordered his officers to hold joint screenings of the controversial G30S/PKI film.

According to Nurmantyo, the government simply wants to provide knowledge about Indonesian history, nothing else. It is to remind all children of the nation and the younger generation not to allow a repeat of the 1965 affair because it was so very painful.

"I'm not going to get into a polemic and only [want] to pass on what happened to the younger generation. If we're not allowed to pass on history what kind of nation will we become", said Nurmantyo in a written statement received by Viva on the afternoon of Monday September 18.

Nurmantyo insists that the screening of the G30S/PKI film will be a lesson sayig all of the story depicted in the film is factual and important for the younger generation to know about so the nation can learn from history. (ase)

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Panglima TNI Diminta Putar juga Film 'Jagal' dan 'Senyap'".]

Source: http://m.viva.co.id/berita/politik/958694-panglima-tni-diminta-putar-juga-film-jagal-dan-senyap

Jokowi should uphold justice for 1965 victims: HRW

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Jakarta – New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Indonesian government to uphold justice for the victims of the 1965 massacres.

"The government's acquiescence to violent thugs and abusive security forces who seek to stifle discussion of the 1965 massacres suggests that protecting the official version of events, as well as those responsible for atrocities, still has priority over justice for the victims," HRW Asia deputy director Phelim Kine said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Jokowi [President Joko Widodo] should change this. He can start by delivering on his commitment toward accountability and appropriately punish those determined to derail it," he added.

Kine made the statement in response to clashes between protesters and police officers at the headquarters of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) on Monday. The protesters gathered at YLBHI after false reports were made, accusing it of hosting an event related to the long-disbanded Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

"The fear of communists is alive and well in Indonesia," said Kine. For more than five decades, he said, Indonesian officials had justified the mass killings as a necessary defense against Communist Party inroads.

HRW praised the government's move to sponsor a two-day symposium in April 2016, during which all Indonesian people could hear accounts from survivors and the family members of victims.

"That month, President Jokowi ordered an official effort to document the location of victims' mass graves, and shortly thereafter the government committed to investigating a list of 122 alleged mass grave sites compiled by victims' advocacy groups," said Kine. "That remains an empty promise." (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/19/jokowi-should-uphold-justice-for-1965-victims-hrw.html

People are delusional about PKI: Law and human rights minister

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Jakarta – Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly has urged the public to not be easily provoked by issues related to the now defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) or communism movements.

"PKI-related issues are all delusions. Why do we need to raise dead ghosts? Where is the PKI?" he said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.

He reiterated that the PKI and communism had been banned by the government through the 1966 Temporary People's Consultative Assembly Decree (TAP MPRS).

Therefore, there is nothing to be afraid of anymore, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician said.

Yasonna also urged parties to end their political games and instead contribute to more positive activities. "There are so many positive things we can do," he said.

Fake news provoked a group of people to besiege the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) on Sunday evening, leading to chaos. The protesters accused the YLBHI of holding a PKI-related event, which had been denied by the organizers.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/19/people-are-delusional-about-pki-law-and-human-rights-minister.html

Police name 7 suspects in connection to violent anti-communism

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Jakarta – Jakarta Police have named seven people suspects for their alleged involvement in an anti-communism protest in front of the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI), Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Sunday.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said they were named suspects for ignoring police, who had ordered them to disperse. He said the suspects were not affiliated with any civil groups.

Argo said the suspects had been charged under articles 216 and 218 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on disobeying police orders, which carries a maximum punishment of four months in jail.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the police had not arrested any protesters for injuring police officers or damaging the windows of YLBHI and police vehicles.

Argo said the police had yet to find the organizer of the protest or those who spread fake news about an event related to the now defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) being held at the YLBHI.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Police have released another five witnesses who were arrested after the chaos. Central Jakarta Police have also released 22 people who were questioned after the protest on Monday evening.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/19/police-name-7-suspects-in-connection-to-violent-anti-communism-protest.html

Hard-line general admits meeting with anti-communist protesters

Tempo - September 19, 2017

Arkhelaus W., Jakarta – Retired Major General Kivlan Zen admits to meeting with Anti-Communist Student and Youth Alliance (Aliansi Mahasiswa dan Pemuda Anti Komunis) coordinator Rahmat Imran prior to the attack on the 1965 historical seminar at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) offices. Zen however denies being the mastermind behind the attack.

"I know Imran, we're acquainted. He was the one who invited me. Those acting in the name of the anti-communist alliance", said Zen at the National Police headquarter Criminal Investigation Bureau (Badan Reserse Kriminal) offices in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday September 19.

Zen said that his meeting with Imran took place on the evening of Friday September 15 or the day before the 1965 historical seminar was to be held at the YLBHI. The meeting was held at Jl. Menteng Number 58 in Central Jakarta. "I didn't chair the meeting but was invited to speak", he said.

Zen says that he gave advice to the youth alliance prior to the group carrying out the plan to protest the 1965 seminar. "I came to give advice. My advice was not to cause a riot. Don't enter the [YLBHI office] grounds because it's illegal", he said.

Zen was also enraged when YLBHI activist Muhammad Isnur cited him as being the provocateur or mastermind behind the attack on the YLBHI offices on Sunday evening. "So accordingly, we have long suspected that the LBH is trying to reopen old wounds", he said.

Between Sunday evening and Monday the YLBHI and the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) offices have been besieged by hundreds of protesters from several different organisations.

The siege was justified on the grounds that an "Asik Asik Asik" art event was being held at the building. The protesters claimed that the event was linked with the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

The siege followed protests against plans by the LBH Jakarta to hold a historical seminar on the alleged PKI coup in 1965 that was to take place on Saturday September 16.

The police, under pressure from the protesters, eventually closed down the discussion that was to be attended by, among others, elderly survivors of the 1965 tragedy. The YLBHI later accused Zen and Imran as being the masterminds behind the attack.

Notes

1. Speaking on Prime News CNN Indonesia TV on Monday September 18, Rahmat Imran said that before going to the LBH he went to the Metro Jaya District Police Intelligence and Security Directorate to inform them about plans to hold a demonstration in front of the LBH Jakarta offices. He added that the police stated that they had had a discussion with LBH Jakarta and that they did not have a permit for the event nor had provided prior notification to police [See: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20170919110305-12-242656/rahmat-himran-bertemu-kivlan-zen-sebelum-aksi-kepung-lbh/.

2. Number 58 Jalan Menteng Central Jakarta is listed as the headquarters of the Islamic Youth Movement (Gerakan Pemuda Islam, GPI), an ultra right-wing anti-communist group that has been involved in attacks on leftist events and minority religious groups. It also took part in the mass demonstrations against former governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama during the Jakarta gubernatorial elections [See: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PP-GPI-Menteng-Raya-58-jakpus/116308168458651].

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Kivlan Zen Akui Bertemu Rahmat Imran Menjelang Pengepungan YLBHI".]

Source: https://m.tempo.co/read/news/2017/09/19/078910678/kivlan-zen-akui-bertemu-rahmat-imran-menjelang-pengepungan-ylbhi

Mob insisted on attacking YLBHI: Police

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Jakarta – Those who attacked the office of the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) in Central Jakarta in the wee hours of Monday morning believed the event inside the building was associated with the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), even though the police and military representatives explained that it was only an art performance.

"We don't care whether they are conducting an art performance. We oppose the PKI," said one of the protesters who spoke with Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Suyudi Ario.

The clash between the police and the mob broke out at 1:22 a.m. The mob threw rocks and bottles, injuring five police personnel. To secure the situation, the police deployed a water cannon and shot tear gas into the crowd.

Jakarta Legal Aid Institute director Alghiffari Aqsa told journalists that the mob besieged the office after the art event.

Here is a chronology of the evacuation of the people inside the YLBHI building on Monday morning:

1:38 a.m.: Police officers push the protesters away from the YLBHI office, making way for the evacuation of the people inside the building. A woman who fainted is carried away by about six persons from inside the building.

1:43 a.m.: The second phase of the evacuation begins, with about 20 people leaving the building.

2:17 a.m.: The final part of the evacuation.

2:42 a.m.: Almost half of the people get into three police trucks, which take them to the offices of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) in Central Jakarta.

3:12 a.m.: The trucks have to turn around because the protesters block Jl. Proklamasi. About ten minutes later, three police trucks and a bus are finally able to get away from the scene through Jl. Diponegoro.

Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator Yati Andriyani, who was present for the evacuation, told The Jakarta Post that the mob followed them and "visited the Komnas HAM office right after we arrived. About seven to 10 motorbikes with passengers stopped on the road in front of the office. They shouted things and attempted to provoke us," Yati said.

Separately, Usman Hamid from Amnesty International said that at first, the police suggested that the people be evacuated to the headquarters of the Jakarta Police in South Jakarta.

However, eventually they were taken to Komnas HAM based on a request from the commission chairman, Nur Kholis. (rdi/ecn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/19/mob-insisted-on-attacking-ylbhi-police.html

Women, elderly suffering the most from repression: Komnas Perempuan

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Jakarta – Women and the elderly are the ones suffering the most from the growing repression of survivors of the 1965 mass killings, the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) stated on Monday.

Komnas Perempuan lambasted the attack on a gathering at the office of the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) in Central Jakarta in the wee hours of Monday morning. Women and some elderly citizens were a part of the gathering.

"The assault was an attack on the poor who were only seeking justice," the commission said in a statement.

"Provocations exploiting the rise of communism have been repeatedly thrown around and allowed. The elderly who survived 1965 have been denied the right to assemble, share stories and heal collectively in their last remaining years on Earth," it said.

In 2016, the commission documented the testimony of 122 survivors of the 1965 mass killings. Some of them have since passed away. The commission argues that the government's silence on the matter is worsening the stigmatization of the survivors. (fac)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/19/women-elderly-suffering-the-most-from-repression-komnas-perempuan.html

Who was behind the attack on the on the YLBHI offices

Tirto.id – September 19, 2017

Reja Hidayat – On the evening of Friday September 15 following evening prayers, retired Major General Kivlan Zen arrived at the headquarters of the Indonesian Islamic Students Movement (GPII) on Jl. Menteng Raya No. 8, Central Jakarta.

The former Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad, Green Berets) commander was fulfilling an invitation from the Anti-Communist Student and Youth Alliance (Aliansi Mahasiswa dan Pemuda Anti Komunis) organising committee. That evening a meeting was to be held to discuss closing down a seminar that was allegedly a communist consolidation at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) offices in Central Jakarta.

Tirto has published photos of the meeting. Kivlan can be seen wearing a batik shirt with a flower pattern. He is sitting next to the leaders of several different social organisations and student alliance groups. Sitting on Kivlan's right is GPII religious outreach division head Nanang Qosim. On the left is Anti-Communist Student and Youth Alliance coordinator Rahman Himran. Behind them is a banner can be seen reading, "Don't let communism revive in Indonesia".

"This is me, this is bang [brother] Kivlan, this is Rahmat", Nanang told Tirto showing a photograph of himself at the Friday night meeting. "The Friday evening (meeting) at 8am has been published hasn't it", said Nanang.

Nanang explained that on that Friday evening, a day before the discussion on uncovering the history of 1965/1966 was to take place at the YLBHI building, organisational leaders including Kivlan discussed plans to close it down. There were many different social and student organisations present including, among others, the Indonesian Islamic Students (Pelajar Islam Indonesia, PII), the Ka'bah Youth Movement (Gerakan Pemuda Ka'bah, GPK), the Crescent Star Youth (Pemuda Bulan Bintang, PBB) and the Red-and-White Movement (Gerakan Merah Putih, GMP).

The meeting, according to Nanang, lasted for one-and-a-half hours and discussed the issue of the YLBHI seminar. Those attending the meeting claimed that it could potentially reopen historical wounds. Furthermore they alleged that the seminar was directed towards having Provisional People's Consultative Assembly Decree Number 25/1966 on the dissolution of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) repealed.

"We concluded that the TOR [seminar's terms of reference, agenda] was to paint the New Order [regime of former president Suharto] and the TNI [Indonesian military] in a bad light", said Nanang.

Also because of the subject of the seminar, Nanang alleges the YLBHI was facilitating the Forum 65. Moreover he claimed Institute for the Study of the 1965-1966 Massacres (YPKP '65) chairperson Bedjo Untung, who would be speaking at the seminar, was the instigator of the seminar.

"It was opening up an old festering wound, [they] wanted state reconciliation and compensation from the state", said Nanang explaining what was discussed during the meeting with Kivlan.

It was because of these conclusions that Nanang along with 39 other people proposed that the seminar should be opposed. And as if he wanted to assume police powers, he then mentioned that the seminar did not have a police permit.

"We also checked. The seminar that was to be held by the YLBHI didn't have a permit from police. This was important because holding activities that involve people from the regions, involving social elements that don't live in Jakarta, must provide notification of the event agenda [to police]", said Nanang.

Based on this, on Saturday they went to the YLBHI offices to hold a demonstration.

But even before they arrived at the YLBHI building on Saturday September 16, since 6am the police had setup a blockade on the road leading to the YLBHI front gate. As a result both the organising committee and participants intending to take part in the seminar were unable to enter.

Later, because of the demonstrations, the seminar participants who were trapped outside, many of whom were elderly, were moved into the YLBHI building by police.

The situation however became increasingly heated. At 1pm the mob holding the demonstration then tried to force their way through the police line. However they were unable to break through the blockade and eventually disbanded at 3pm.

An hour later police entered the YLBHI building seeking confirmation that the seminar would indeed be cancelled. Police even tried to seize a laptop as material evidence although this was thwarted by the organising committee because there were no grounds for the seizure.

In the end the seminar was indeed canceled. As an alternative the organising committee held an action at the YLBHI on Sunday evening criticising the actions of the government and police. The action, titled, "Asik Asik Asik: Indonesian Democratic Emergency", was an arts, music and literature performance.

After the event ended however, at 10pm on the night of Sunday September 17 a mob of protesters again besieged the YLBHI offices. The number of protesters continued to grow by the minute and came from various different quarters.

One of the groups that took part in the attack on the YLBHI building was the Islamic Reform Movement (GARiS). One of the leading figures from the organisation could be seen in front of the YLBHI entrance.

Kivlan has confirmed that GARIS was one of the groups that attended the meeting at the GPII headquarters. "Lots of people came, I don't feel comfortable naming them or saying what they did", said Kivlan when contacted by phone on Monday September 18.

There were however two groups that did not attend the meeting at the GPII headquarters but were later seen during that attack on the YLBHI offices. They were the Islamic Defenders Front (Front Pembela Islam, FPI) and the Communication Forum for Children of Retired Police and Military Officers (Forum Komunikasi Putra-Puteri TNI/Polri, FKPPI). The two groups have confirmed that their members took part in the attack on the YLBHI offices on Sunday evening.

Rights group says new film on 1965 needed but one that is

Kompas.com - September 19, 2017

Ambaranie Nadia Kemala Movanita, Jakarta – The Setara Institute for Peace and Democracy says that a film on the 1965 affair needs to be remade but with a more realistic story.

The plot must be written in accordance with what actually happened at the time, without burying the facts. Setara Institute deputy chairperson Bonar Tigor Naipospos says that the film must be more objective, not just propaganda and focusing on violence.

"But it should also have a prolog on why the affair erupted and an epilog and sequel that shows the tragic consequences for those who were not involved and became victims", said Bonar in a written press release on Tuesday September 19.

In this way, said Bonar, a new film will be able to serve as a reflection for the millennial generation, not just serving up violence and hatred.

Bonar said that history should not just show the views of parties that came out of the affair the winners, but also take up the social aspect and perspective of the victims.

"And at the same time be educational and have social imagination for the nation on what is needed for the future", said Bonar.

Bonar said that the film titled "Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI" (The Betrayal of the 30 September Movement/Indonesian Communist Party", which was written and directed by Arifin C. Noer does not need to be screened again.

The film, which was made during the era of Indonesia's second president Suharto, is ridden with the political interests of the period. Because of this therefore, a new version of the film is needed that is more objective.

If indeed the G30S/PKI film is to be screened again, he said, it needs to be counterbalanced with other films which take up the 1965 affair in order to provide the millennial generation with a historical understanding that is complete and analytical.

"It's time for us to make peace with history. Look at history with our eyes open and a cool head. Not manipulating history for the sake of the political interests of those in power", said Bonar.

Earlier, President Joko Widodo said that he wanted the G30S/PKI film to be updated for today's generation.

Widodo emphasised that watching films, in particular ones about that period of history is important. According to the president however, a new film should be made so the younger generation can more easily understand the dangers of communism.

"It would be better if there was a new version, so that it is more relevant, that the millennial generation is able to get into", said Widodo.

Notes

In September 1998, the government dropped the requirement for all TV stations to broadcast the film "Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI", a dramatisation of the New Order's version of the events surrounding the alleged communist coup in 1965. The film, one of the most effective pieces of propaganda produced by the Suharto dictatorship, had been a compulsory program for all stations every September 30 since its release in 1984.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Sineas Didorong Garap Film Peristiwa 1965 yang Lebih Akurat".]

Source: http://nasional.kompas.com/read/2017/09/19/14494511/sineas-didorong-garap-film-peristiwa-1965-yang-lebih-akurat

Probe urged into police's move to break up LBH discussion

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Bambang Muryanto and Agnes Anya, Yogyakarta/Jakarta – Thirty pro-democracy groups in Yogyakarta have urged the National Police to take action against officers that broke up a public discussion on the 1965 communist purge at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) in Central Jakarta.

Last Saturday, the police blocked an event that was attended by a group of scholars, activists, victims and family of victims of the 1965 communist purge, arguing that the discussion did not have a permit.

"We condemned the action. The police officers broke up the event, broke into the place with force and damaged the building. They violated the law," said LBH Yogyakarta director Hamzal Wahyudin in a joint press conference held on Monday in Yogyakarta.

The activists said the police's measures showed democracy in the country had taken a step back. Hamzal further said holding the 1965-1966 seminar was the right of civilians, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

On the same occasion, Damairia Pakpahan of Protection Desk Indonesia said the move by the police to break up the discussion showed the police lacked understanding of human rights. It also showed inconsistency within the government of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, she added.

Hence, the activists urged Jokowi to be consistent in his programs, particularly in resolving human rights violations, including those against the victims of the 1965 tragedy.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/18/activists-urge-probe-into-polices-move-to-break-up-discussion-on-1965-tragedy.html

Jakarta Police apprehend 22 following siege of YLBHI

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Jakarta – The Jakarta Police have taken into custody 22 people following a mob protest that turned violent in front of the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) early on Monday.

"We have apprehended 22 people. They are being questioned at the Central Jakarta Police headquarters," Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said on Monday.

The 22 people are suspected of being involved in the violent protest. Rocks were thrown by protesters, injuring some police officers.

Hundreds of people besieged the YLBHI office in Central Jakarta, believing that a gathering inside the office was associated with the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

They started to gather outside the office at around 9:30 p.m., urging officials to dismiss the event.

Muhammad Isnur from the YLBHI said the event had nothing to do with the PKI and was specifically focused on the current state of the country's democracy. "We have been frequently accused of facilitating the PKI and that is incorrect," Isnur said as quoted by kompas.com.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/18/jakarta-police-apprehend-22-following-siege-of-ylbhi.html

Government advised to resolve 1965 case after mob attack on YLBHI

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – The mob attack on the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) is a reminder of the need to reconcile perpetrators and victims of the 1965 communist purge, the nation's rights body has said.

National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) chairman Nur Kholis argued that unresolved cases of past abuses, particularly the 1965 mass killings, had made the country vulnerable to social conflict.

"The incident at the YLBHI office shows us this," Nur Kholis told The Jakarta Post on Monday. "We urgently need to discuss how to achieve national reconciliation".

A mob consisting of anti-communists besieged the YLBHI office on Sunday night on false allegations that a discussion and music performance held inside the building was attended by supporters of the now defunct Indonesian Communist Party.

Tensions escalated when the mob tried to get inside and disrupt the meeting. The police were forced to evacuate the participants to the headquarters of Komnas HAM.

Last year, the government set up a team comprising the Office of the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister, the Law and Human Rights Ministry, the Attorney General's Office and Komnas HAM to seek solutions to past human rights abuses. The team was unable to achieve any kind of reconciliation for the country. (ary)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/18/government-advised-to-resolve-1965-case-after-mob-attack-on-ylbhi.html

Lawmakers want discussion on 1965 purge banned

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Nurul Fitri Ramadhani and Margareth Aritonang, Jakarta – Several lawmakers are calling for a total ban on discussion pertaining to the 1965 communist purge to prevent friction in society following a mob attack on the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) in Jakarta on Monday morning.

Teuku Taufiqulhadi, a lawmaker from the NasDem Party, has pinned the blame on human rights activists for the mob attack, saying the activists had acted "insensitive" by initiating a public gathering on Sunday to protest the police's decision to block a discussion on the 1965 purge at YLBHI a day earlier.

"The human rights activists' insistence to hold the gathering provoked members of the public to commit violence," Taufiqulhadi told the press on Monday.

The lawmaker from House of Representatives Commission III overseeing law and human rights said he supported the initiative to end "unresolved matters" from the country's dark past. "But we must know the limit to how far we must to reveal what happened then," he added.

A group of people claiming to be anticommunists besieged the YLBHI early on Monday over false accusations that the gathering held inside the building on Sunday was being attended by supporters of the now defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

Tension escalated as the mob demanded to go inside, forcing the police to evacuate the participants to the nearby National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) before they could finally return home.

Syarief Hasan of the Democratic Party said police should have broken up the gathering in the first place to maintain security.

"Breaking up the gathering, or other communism-themed gatherings, doesn't mean the government has violated democracy," Syarief said. "It is necessary to avoid tension that might put anyone in danger".

The lawmaker stressed, "Communism is banned here. Thus the government must uphold that policy". (ary)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/18/lawmakers-want-discussion-on-1965-purge-banned.html

'Fake PKI news' behind anti-communist chaos: LBH-YLBHI

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Agnes Anya, Jakarta – The gathering of hundreds of protesters at the headquarters of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI), which eventually culminated in a clash between protesters and the police guarding the office, is believed to have been triggered by viral fake news referring to the long-disbanded Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), the YLBHI said in a joint statement with the Jakarta Legal Aid institute (LBH Jakarta).

Pro-democracy activists from LBH Jakarta and the YLBHI released the statement on Monday, following the clash that ensued over the weekend. They said that the protesters' accusations of them holding a PKI-related event were baseless.

The organizations were instead staging the #AsikAsikAksi event, a creative performance being held as a form of protest against the police, who had dispersed their initial event on Saturday.

The police had dispersed Saturday's planned discussion on the 1965 political and social upheaval on the grounds that the organizations had no permit for the event.

"LBH-YLBHI had explained many times to the police that there was no PKI-related event [...] The Jakarta Police Chief even directly clarified [the situation] and observed us continuously," they stated, adding that the police officers had acknowledged this and explained to the growing mob of protesters that "there was no event related to the PKI or to communism".

But the protesters did not want to listen, they said. "It is clear that a hoax or fake news was published, false propaganda went viral, calls to attack the LBH were conducted systematically," the activists said in the statement.

"It went viral that this was a PKI event [where we would sing] Genjer-genjer and so on, but in fact, it was no such thing," they continued, referring to a Javanese folk song that was widely linked to the PKI in 1965.

Spurred on by the fake news, it was believed that some people wanted chaos to erupt at the event, they added. "LBH assists victims who have been stigmatized by the 1965 incident; they are not affiliated with the PKI, but were victims," they said.

The statement also thanked the Jakarta Police, who had attempted to provide protection to guests and visitors trapped in the LBH Jakarta building as the protesters gathered outside grew increasingly aggressive.

Several police officers were injured when the rabble began throwing rocks and bottles and tried to push their way through the police line at around 1:22 a.m. on Monday.

Messages instructing people to gather and disperse "the PKI event" at the LBH Jakarta that were posted Sunday on social media went viral. One of the messages affiliated itself with the Islam Defenders Front.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/18/fake-pki-news-behind-anti-communist-chaos-lbh-ylbhi.html

Fake news about communism in Indonesia blamed for triggering riot

Sydney Morning Herald - September 18, 2017

Jewel Topsfield and Karuni Rompies – Fake news about Indonesia's omnipresent bogeyman – communism – has been blamed for riots in Central Jakarta that injured five police officers and damaged vehicles in the early hours of Monday morning. Police were forced to fire tear gas and water cannons to disperse anti-communist protesters who began to pelt police with water bottles and stones and attempted to force their way into the offices of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute.

A weekend seminar on the 1965 anti-communist purge – a dark chapter in Indonesia's history that remains extremely sensitive today – had already been banned by police on the grounds the organisers had not applied for a permit.

But this did not stop crowds chanting "Crush the PKI" (the now defunct Indonesian communist party) and surrounding the institute building.

The Indonesian Legal Aid Institute claimed "clearly hoaxes or false news have been broadcast... with instructions for attacking (the institute) done systematically and extensively".

It asserted false claims included that the planned historical seminar was a re-emergence of the PKI and participants intended to sing genjer-genjer, one of the most controversial songs in Indonesia.

Genjer-genjer, which was adopted as a protest song by the PKI, was banned under the Suharto regime, amid military claims that female communists had tortured six generals while singing the song.

"People said we are PKI – that's the hoax," Muhammad Isnur from the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute told Fairfax Media. "They said PKI was holding an event. It's not true. We wanted to hold an academic discussion about what happened in 1965."

Police have arrested five people suspected of provoking the riots. Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told Fairfax Media that police had informed the institute that the planned seminar could not go ahead because the organisers did not have a permit.

But Mr Isnur said the police were "just making it up". "Why would we need a permit for an internal, closed door discussion in our own office? We hold discussions every day."

The 1965 tragedy was triggered by the kidnapping and murder of several high-ranking army officers, which was blamed on the PKI.

Last month Indonesian authorities disbanded a workshop in East Java on the findings of an international tribunal into the 1965 massacre – also on the grounds organisers didn't have a permit.

In 2015 the Ubud Writers Festival cancelled sessions discussing 1965 – the first act of censorship in the history of the popular international event.

Amnesty International issued a statement last month saying there had been at least 39 cases since 2015 where authorities disbanded events related to 1965. "These actions are a clear violation of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Amnesty said.

Asked if hoax news had inflamed tensions at the weekend, Mr Argo said: "Listen, if people get together to make speeches, discussion, dialogue, they must notify the police, this should be understood by people who work in the legal business."

Fake news was a huge problem in Indonesia in the lead-up to the gubernatorial election in February, with much of it targeting the ethnicity of former Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

Hoax news included that Indonesia was being flooded by 10 million Chinese workers, that its new currency bore an image of the banned communist hammer and sickle, that Ahok's free Human Papillomavirus vaccine program could make girls infertile and that China was waging biological warfare against Indonesia with contaminated chilli seeds.

Smear campaigns during the last presidential election also asserted President Joko Widodo was a Christian and communist.

"Don't forget, negative (news), slander, reproaching each other, hoax and fake news are spreading in social media today. They also become our challenge in the future," President Jokowi told a group of boys scouts in Central Java on Monday.

Last month police arrested three people accused of spreading hoaxes against President Jokowi and Ahok, among others, on a "news" website known as saracen, which allegedly charges clients to publish and spread fake news.

"There is clearly a growing industry around the production of disinformation (false information spread to deliberately deceive) in Indonesia and elsewhere around the world," says Australian National University academic Ross Tapsell, an expert on social media in Indonesia.

"Of course, Indonesia has a long history of government and non-government anti-PKI propaganda designed to incite and enrage," he said. "So the material may not have changed, but the technology used to disseminate it is changing rapidly."

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/world/fake-news-about-communism-in-indonesia-blamed-for-triggering-riot-in-jakarta-20170918-gyjuxv.html

Anti-communists besiege, attack office of YLBHI

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Jakarta – Hundreds of anti-communists besieged the office of the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) on Sunday night, demanding that it dismiss a gathering inside the office.

Believing that the gathering was related to the violence of 1965, they started gathering at the office at around 9:30 p.m., urging officials to dismiss an event inside the office, accusing the event's organizers of being members of the disbanded Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

On Saturday, a group of scholars, activists, victims and family of victims of the 1965 convulsion intended to hold a discussion, but were eventually dismissed by the police, who argued that the event did not have a permit.

A group of anti-communists staged a rally in front of the office at the time. On Sunday night they returned to the office upon hearing that a gathering was being held there.

Tensions escalated when they tried to get inside the office. About 200 people had gathered inside the building for a music event.

The protesters shouted: "Lies!" "Long live TNI" and "Dismiss the PKI" when Central Jakarta Police chief and a representative from the military assured them that there was no PKI activity going on inside the building.

The police were guarding the building but the protesters refused to leave. The crowd also sang Indonesia Raya, the national anthem, after representatives gave speeches.

A clash broke out around 1:22 a.m., Monday morning, when the protesters started to push against police officers. They threw bottles and rocks, injuring several officers.

"When the chaos broke out, we were meeting to evacuate. We prioritized those who were sick," Usman Hamid from Amnesty International Indonesia told reporters.

Everyone inside the YLBHI office finally evacuated at 2:16 a.m. (ecn/dis/rdi)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/18/anti-communists-besiege-attack-office-of-ylbhi.html

LBH accuses hard-line general, anti-Ahok protest organiser of being

Detik News - September 18, 2017

Dwi Andayani, Noval Dwinuary Antoni, Jakarta – Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) advocacy head Muhammad Isnur says that retired Major General Kivlan Zen and Presidium 313 member Rahmat Himran were behind the attack on the LBH Jakarta offices yesterday evening. He bases this on the names Kivlan and Himran which have appeared in social media in relation to the attack.

"The first is Rahmat Himran, I don't know who he is but apparently he is with the Presidium 313, in several press releases and hoax (news reports) in the media, his name has been cited as the one responsible, I don't know if the police have arrested him or not", said Isnur at the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) offices on Monday September 18.

Meanwhile Isnur cites Kivlan Zen because his name was mentioned in an online news website. In the article, Zen was mentioned as chairing a coordinating meeting on closing down the 'Indonesian Communist Party' (PKI) meeting at YLBHI.

"The second name was Kivlan Zen, this was first name that emerged when the news website Public News reported that he was chairing a coordination meeting on closing down the [alleged] PKI seminar, the police must investigate this", said Isnur.

Zen has not yet been able to confirm or deny Isnur's statement and Zen's attorney Krist Ibnu was unable to comment any further about Isnur's allegations. Ibnu however confirmed that Zen has indeed been moved to oppose the reemergence of the PKI.

"Now Pak Kivlan has indeed often spoken out opposing the PKI issue hasn't he, because the PKI's teachings have been banned. Pak Kivlan has been moved in his heart as a former fighter, so yes it quite legitimate that he opposes it", said Ibnu when contacted.

"Now with regard to whether or not Pak Kivlan was behind the action last night I don't really know, but we admit that Pak Kivlan has often spoken out opposing the PKI. Only, there have been those that have been candid about it and those that have done it on the sly, it's not just Pak Kivlan", he added.

In relation to the siege on the YLBHI offices, Isnur also linked this with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo statement about 'clobbering the PKI'. According to Isnur, Jokowi's statement is open to misuse by certain groups as a justification to carry out such attacks. (fjp/fjp)

Notes

1. Presidium 313 refers to organising body that was behind the so-called 313 rally in Jakarta against former Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama on March 31 calling for him to be jailed for alleged blasphemy.

2. Retired Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad, Green Berets) commander Major General Kivlan Zen is as a hardline general best known for his bizarre claims about a PKI resurgence and was a staunch supporter of Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto during the 2014 presidential election. In December 2016 following the mass protests against Ahok, Zen was arrested and charged with treason for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Widodo government.

3. Speaking before 1,500 TNI soldiers in Riau on May 19 Widodo said that the government will not stay silent in confronting movements that undermine the Constitution and the state ideology of Pancasila and this also applies to groups that follow communism. "Yes, we will clobber them, we will stamp them out, this is already clear. Don't question this again. Don't question this again. The legal umbrella is clear, the TAP MPRS", said Widodo referring to a 1966 decree banning the Indonesian Communist Party. [See: http://www.asia-pacific-solidarity.net/southeastasia/indonesia/indoleft/2017/kompas_jokowiantipancasilaandcom_190517.htm].

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "LBH Tuding Kivlan Zen Terlibat dalam Aksi Pengepungan Kantor".]

Source: https://news.detik.com/berita/d-3648108/lbh-tuding-kivlan-zen-terlibat-dalam-aksi-pengepungan-kantor

Jokowi wants new G30S-PKI film made so millennials can 'understand

Detik News - September 18, 2017

Ray Jordan, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has no problem with the TNI (Indonesian military) and the public holding joint film screenings (nobar) of the film "The Treachery of the September 30 Movement-Indonesian Communist Party" (Penghianatan G30S/PKI)

The president hopes however that a new film can be made to accommodate the character of the millennial generation.

"For millennial children of course a new film should be made that they can indeed get into", said Widodo at the Mangunsuko village in Dukun, Magelang, Central Java on Monday September 18.

"So they understand the dangers of communism. So they also know about the PKI", he said.

The TNI's plan to hold joint screenings of the G30S/PKI has generated a polemic. There are those that are of the view that it should be abandoned because the film is ridden with political interests. However there are those also that agree with the plan.

TNI commander-in-chief General Gatot Nurmantyo says that the plan to hold joint screenings of the controversial film were indeed on his orders.

"Yes it was indeed my order, what of it? Only the government can prohibit me", said Nurmantyo following a devotional visit to the grave of Indonesia's founding President Sukarno in Bendogerit, Blitar, on Monday.

Nurmantyo said that that Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has given him his blessing for the screenings and he has ordered all TNI members to watch the film produced by the New Order regime of former president Suharto.

When asked about the content of the film which is still the subject of a polemic, Nurmantyo said that the film is an attempt to straighten out history. (tor/tor)

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Jokowi Minta Dibuat Film G30S/PKI untuk Milenial".]

Source: https://news.detik.com/berita/d-3648172/jokowi-minta-dibuat-film-g30spki-untuk-milenial

Hard-line general calls for YLBHI to be closed down for 'spreading

CNN Indonesia - September 18, 2017

Arif Hulwan Muzayyin, Jakarta – Efforts by the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) and the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) to set history straight with regard to the alleged September 30 Movement-Indonesian Communist Party (G30S-PKI) coup in 1965 are being seen by some as resurgence of communist ideas and a violation of the law.

Former Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) commander retired Major General Kivlan Zen says that the discussion on the 1965 affair at the YLBHI can be categorised as spreading communist ideas.

This violates Law Number 27/1999 on Revisions to the Criminal Code (KUHP) related to crimes against state security and Tap MPRS Number XXV/MPRS/1966 on the dissolution of the PKI.

The first step that should be taken is to report the foundation which was established by the late Adnan Buyung Nasution to police in relation to these legal violations.

"I will propose to the Kepolisian [National Police], the Menko Polhukam [Coordinating Minister for Security, political and Legal Affairs] and the Menkumham [Justice and Human Rights Ministry] that the LBH be closed down. I will report them because they are reviving communism", he said when contacted by CNN Indonesia on Monday September 18.

These remarks were in response to allegations that Zen was one of the masterminds behind the attack on the YLBHI offices in Jakarta on Monday September 17.

"Go ahead and make accusations, that's [your] right. It wasn't me that mobilised [them]. But if I encouraged them through speeches, books, I have no problem with that. I am indeed one of those that is most outspoken in opposing the revival of communism", he said.

According to Zen, the protesters who came from a number of different social organisations were simply using their democratic right to express an opinion. The demonstrators became aggressive, he said, because the YLBHI staged an "Asik Asik Aksi" event and sang the song Genjer-Genjer.

"The song Genjer-Genjer is symbolic of the PKI, it was sung when [Gerwani] were slaughtering the generals, it was sung during war. So if the song was being sung well it means they were ready for war. So the masses (demonstrators) were provoked (in to becoming anarchistic)", claimed Zen.

Zen is also calling on all parties not to bring up the G30S 1965 affair again. According to Zen, the [government's] current [version] of events surrounding 1965 affair is correct because it went through a legal process before a Extra-Ordinary Military Tribunal (Mahmilub) [created by Suharto in October 1965] which examined and tried the prisoners (military personnel) who were accused of being involved in the movement.

"Enough, don't reopen old wounds, later Indonesia will be a mess. Do you want there to be civil war?", said Zen who was declared a treason (maker) suspect by the police late last year.

Earlier YLBHI advocacy head Muhammad Isnur confirmed that the event held by the foundation was not an attempt to revive communism and that those who attended the event had absolutely no link with the PKI.

"Inside it was all elderly people, elderly women, where do they get the nerve to treat them like that. We can prove everything that happened last night", he asserted.

Meanwhile YLBHI chairperson Asfinawati said in a press release that the "Asik Asik Asik" event was held to express their concern over the forced closure of the histological seminar on 1965 being organised by the LBH.

The event was simply an artistic performance of songs and poetry readings. Asfinawati also denied accusations by the protesters that the song Genjer-Genjer was sung at the event. (arh/djm)

Notes

1. Tap MPRS XXV/1966: Provisional People's Consultative Assembly Decree Number XXV/1966 on the Dissolution of the Indonesian Communist Party and Prohibitions on Marxist, Leninist and Communist Teachings.

2. The Javanese folk song Genjer-Genjer, which tells the story of the genjer (lettuce) plant that gained popularity during times of extreme poverty due to its abundance amid high food prices, is associated with the PKI affiliated women's organisation Gerwani or Women's Movement which was banned and then demonised by Suharto's New Order dictatorship following the 1965 anti-communist purge.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Kivlan Zen Usul Pembubaran LBH Jakarta".]

Source: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20170918154027-12-242489/kivlan-zen-usul-pembubaran-lbh-jakarta/

YLBHI says attack on their offices linked to Jokowi's call to

Detik News - September 18, 2017

Dwi Andayani, Jakarta – The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) and the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) believe there is a link between yesterday evening's attack on the their offices and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo statement about "clobbering the PKI". The remark is seen as prone to misuse.

"What I want to convey is this, when Pak Jokowi said 'clobber' [gebuk], what happened was the public just heard the words 'clobber' [the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI)]", YLBHI advocacy head Muhammad Isnur told journalists at the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) offices on Monday September 18.

Isnur is calling on Widodo to be careful when he speaks because his statement legitimises people to misuse the word.

"So the president should be careful with [his] words, it could be used as a legitimisation by the public to misuse the word. It could happen to the media tomorrow", said Isnur.

"I think that Jokowi should look again at his sentence. He must look again at the impact of what was expressed when a president speaks like that", added Isnur.

Isnur does not know if yesterday evenings attack was politically motivated or not however he can confirm that the attackers used the word "clobber".

"But what I saw on the ground was that they the attackers used the same words as the president and used them in the wrong place and at the wrong target", said Isnur. (fjp/fjp)

Notes

Speaking before 1,500 TNI soldiers in Riau on May 19 Widodo said that the government will not stay silent in confronting movements that undermine the Constitution and the state ideology of Pancasila and this also applies to groups that follow communism. "Yes, we will clobber them, we will stamp them out, this is already clear. Don't question this again. Don't question this again. The legal umbrella is clear, the TAP MPRS", said Widodo referring to a 1966 decree banning the Indonesian Communist Party. [See: http://www.asia-pacific-solidarity.net/southeastasia/indonesia/indoleft/2017/kompas_jokowiantipancasilaandcom_190517.htm].

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "LBH Kaitkan Pengepungan dengan Seruan Jokowi 'Gebuk PKI'".]

Source: https://news.detik.com/berita/3648052/lbh-kaitkan-pengepungan-dengan-seruan-jokowi-gebuk-pki

Anti-communist issue being used to divide people, create political

Kompas.com - September 18, 2017

Ambaranie Nadia Kemala Movanita, Jakarta – Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace chairperson Hendardi believes that efforts to uncover the history of the 1965 affair are often used as an excuse by certain parties to blow up the issue of an alleged revival of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

A not insignificant section of the public is influenced by this issue and strongly opposes it. One example is the clash that occurred in front of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) offices in Central Jakarta on the evening of Sunday September 17.

"The public must be aware of and understand that the issue of the revival of the PKI is [being used] as a way to divide people and create disunity and only benefits the parties that are driving it", said Hendardi in a press release on Monday September 18.

Hendardi said that the incident at the YLBHI offices clearly shows that the mob that attacked the office were the same intolerant groups that have long been spreading terror against public security and order.

The National Police, he said, must be aware that these acts of persecution represent a movement by design directed at political goals and to create political instability.

In de jure terms, communist ideas have been prohibited from developing. In de facto terms, said Hendardi, this movement is not real. "Thus the revival of the PKI is an illusion but it continues to be capitalised on as a tool of political subjugation", said Hendardi.

Hendardi is convinced that there are intellectual actors controlling them and because of this therefore, the police should not stop with just arresting a few actors on the ground. "But they must find the intellectual actors behind the incident", said Hendardi.

Metro Jaya regional police chief Inspector General Idham Aziz earlier said that the mob that attacked the YLBHI were provoked by hoax information. Hendardi is also calling on the police to find the mastermind that spread this hoax information.

"Clearly indications of the involvement of individuals or organisations can be investigated from the hoax [news] that has long been produced and disseminated, which in essence are aimed at weakening the leadership of Jokowi [President Joko Widodo]", said Hendardi.

"The national police also cannot again be allowed to compromise with groups that claim to be anti-PKI who have been committing widespread acts of persecution over the last three years", he added.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Setara: Isu PKI Digunakan Untuk Memecahbelah dan Untungkan Pihak Tertentu".]

Source: http://nasional.kompas.com/read/2017/09/18/15542021/setara-isu-pki-digunakan-untuk-memecahbelah-dan-untungkan-pihak-tertentu

Islamic party PKS supports army's efforts to strengthen public

RMOL - September 17, 2017

Wahyu Sabda Kuncahyo – The Islamic based Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS) supports increasing public vigilance against latent communism which is being demonstrated by the public's interest in organising joint screenings around the country of the G30S/PKI film.

At the very least the TNI AD (Army) has joined in by ordering all of its officers in the regions to hold joint film screenings (nobar) of the "Treachery of the September 30 Movement/Indonesian Communist Party" film in the lead up to Pancasila Sanctity Day on October 1.

"I very much appreciate and support these joint film screenings, especially the TNI AD officers who will hold joint screenings of the G30S/PKI film and invite broader society to take part in watching it. This shows the unity of the TNI with the people to jointly increase vigilance against communism and the PKI", Jazuli Juwaini, the head of the PKS faction in the House of Representatives (DPR), explained to journalists on Sunday September 17.

In concert with this, the PKS will also organise joint film screenings. Furthermore, the PKS factions from Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in all provinces, regencies and municipalities will organise joint screenings of the film on September 30.

"As the head of the faction I have instructed all provincial and municipal DPRD factions to hold joint screenings of the G30S/PKI film by inviting as many people as possible to attend and provide adequate venues and infrastructure as needed", explained Juwaini.

Juwaini added that joint film screenings of the G30S/PKI film are an effective means of reminding the public, particularly the younger generation, about the importance of safeguarding the state ideology of Pancasila and the bonds of nationalism from the dangers of communism and its ilk.

"The main aim of this is to build and strengthen nationalism particularly among the younger generation and impart to them the heavy burden of putting their lives on the line to defend the republic", said Juwaini.

Juwaini hopes that through the joint film screenings, which tell the story of the PKI's dark history, it will strengthen the younger generation's spirit and patriotism to safeguard the national and state ideology from the threat of evil acts as was carried out by the PKI in the past.

"We all of course welcome these efforts because armed with a strong sense of nationalism this nation will be protected and stand strong", concluded Juwaini. (wah)

Notes

In September 1998, the government dropped the requirement for all TV stations to broadcast the film "Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI" (The Betrayal of the September 30 Movement/Indonesian Communist Party), a dramatisation of the New Order's version of the events surrounding the alleged communist coup in 1965. The film, one of the most effective pieces of propaganda produced by the Suharto dictatorship, had been a compulsory program for all stations every September 30 since its release in 1984.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Fraksi PKS Gelar Nobar Film G30S/PKI".]

Source: http://politik.rmol.co/read/2017/09/17/307441/Fraksi-PKS-Gelar-Nobar-Film-G30S/PKI-

Army to hold screenings of PKI movie

Jakarta Post - September 17, 2017

Jakarta – The Army has instructed its personnel to hold screenings of the propaganda film Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI (Betrayal of the Communists) on Sept. 30.

An internal message carrying the instruction has recently been circulating on social media, prompting the Army to confirm it.

Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Wuryanto said that such a mandatory screening would be crucial to get across the "correct" version of history.

"Thirty September is an important date for our country. These days, we deal with so many efforts to twist facts about the historical events of Sept. 30, 1965," he said as quoted by tempo.co.

He said the film could provide key information regarding what happened on the fateful date, especially for the young generation, who was not given enough education on civic matters and Pancasila since the start of the Reform Era.

Pengkhianatan G30SPKI, which is directed by acclaimed director Arifin C. Noer, tells the story of Gen. Soeharto in quashing a coup blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). In the big-budget film, communists are depicted as godless savages who mutilated military officers in a frenzy.

Under the New Order regime, the movie was made mandatory viewing and was broadcast on public television annually on the night of Sept. 30.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/17/army-to-hold-screenings-of-pki-movie.html

Army worried official narrative on 1965 affair no longer dominant:

Tempo - September 16, 2017

Budiarti Utami Putri, Jakarta – Human rights activist Sri Lestari Wahyoeningroem believes that the Army (TNI AD) is overly worried hence its plan to hold joint screenings of the film "Pengkhianatan G30S-PKI" on September 30.

Ayu, as she is known, believes that the TNI is concerned that their historical narrative of the 1965 affair which they have long promoted is no longer dominant.

"I read this as the TNI being 'over-worried' and afraid of contesting or competing discourse that is different from than their narrative. And, it must be admitted that there are many different historical understandings of [what happened in 1965] that have long been kept hidden", said Ayu when contacted by phone on Saturday September 16.

According to Ayu, the TNI's worry is that there are many criticisms of their narrative of 1965. The September 30 Movement/Indonesian Communist Party (G30S/PKI) narrative or the government's version has no historical, empirical or other evidence to support it and has long been disputed.

The candidate National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) commissioner says that competing narratives are quite normal in a democracy.

Each group is free to convey their message in this space. But the TNI's message, according to Ayu, is to maintain the legitimacy or status quo of those in power and their historical version.

"Yet we live in modern times, we live in an era of democracy. Given current developments it is difficult for [the TNI] to maintain the hegemony of one narrative", said Ayu.

The Australian National University graduate added that many people, particularly the younger generation, are very aware and critical. "It's like water in a bucket which always looks for a small hole to get out, knowledge is like that, it can't be blocked", she said.

The TNI AD has instructed all of its regional commands to encourage the public to attend joint screenings of the film "Betrayal of the G30S-PKI".

This was confirmed by TNI AD information centre chief Brigadier General Wuryanto on September 15, although Wuryanto was unable to provide details of the places that would be used for the screening of the film directed by Arifin C. Noer.

If the screenings are held in rural areas, said Ayu, it means that the TNI is attempting to enter areas where technology and information is not yet widespread.

According to Ayu, the TNI still has an influence in rural areas although she is not convinced that all communities will be able to be mobilised to watch the film.

"They're looking for possible openings. Hopefully it won't be done by means of repression. If they're repressive, we have to speak out loudly and together", said Ayu.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "TNI AD Akan Gelar Nonton Bareng Film G 30 S PKI, Ini Kata Aktivis".]

Source: https://nasional.tempo.co/read/news/2017/09/16/078909688/tni-ad-akan-gelar-nonton-bareng-film-g-30-s-pki-ini-kata-aktivis

Rights watchdog says seminar closure makes Widodo's commitment to

Kompas.com - September 16, 2017

Fabian Januarius Kuwado, Jakarta – Amnesty International regrets the police's closure of a seminar titled "Revealing Historical Truths 1965/1966" that was to be held at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) offices in Central Jakarta on Saturday September 19.

"The banning of this seminar adds to the long list of censoring activities [related to] uncovering the truth behind the 1965/1966 affair", said Amnesty International Indonesia Director Usman Hamid in a press release received by Kompas on Saturday afternoon.

"This ban represents the erroneous implementation of laws that clearly guarantees the freedom of all citizens to associate and peacefully express an opinion. This trend must end", he continued.

Yet this symposium was to present victims, academics, human rights activists, former members of the military and government representatives.

The symposium was to be based on the National Human Rights Commission's (Komnas HAM) final report in July 2012 which stated that the 1965/1966 affair fulfilled the criteria of crimes against humanity.

Usman added that the police's banning goes against the commitment made by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo who stated a desire to release the younger generation from this historical burden by supporting efforts to uncover the truth about past gross human rights violations, including the 1965/1966 affair.

"The ban by police makes the president's commitment look hypocritical. Now is the time for President Jokowi to listen to the voices of the victims rather than the police who are [trying to] silence them", said Usman.

As has been reported, the Metro Jaya district police forcibly closed down a seminar at the YLBHI offices on Jl. Diponegoro in the Menteng area of Central Jakarta on Saturday afternoon.

Metro Jaya public relations chief Senior Commissioner Argo Yuwono said that police closed down the event because it did not have a permit.

"If you bring together lots people then hold an activity without prior notification or a police permit, yes then we are justified in closing it down. Because there was no (notification) from the organising committee given to police", said Yuwono in Jakarta.

Yuwono denied allegations that the event was closed down because the seminar was to discuss gross human rights violations in 1965/1966. Yuwono is also asserted that the closure was done in accordance with prevailing regulations and laws.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Amnesti Internasional Kecam Pembubaran Seminar Sejarah 1965".]

Source: http://nasional.kompas.com/read/2017/09/16/17105771/amnesti-internasional-kecam-pembubaran-seminar-sejarah-1965

Police close down seminar on 1965 anti-communist purge after

Media Indonesia - September 16, 2017

Selamat Saragih – Hundreds of activists who disagree with the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) issue being raised again have taken part in a wave of protests at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) offices on Jl. Diponegoro in Central Jakarta.

As a result, a seminar on the history of the 1965 affair [organised by the Forum 65] failed to go ahead and more than 100 police officers have been deployed to secure the situation.

Initially, a number of historians and people with knowledge of the September 30 Movement/PKI affair were to hold a seminar on the PKI on Saturday September 16.

Activist groups got wind of the event and since Thursday September 14, starting with small scale actions, activists from the Student Alliance of Legal Concern (AMPUH) began shouting that the PKI issue should not be brought up again.

Since early morning activists from AMPUH, the Jakarta Student Alliance (AMJ), the Nahdlatul Ulama affiliated youth organisation Ansor, the Indonesian Islamic Students Association (PMII) and the Red-and-White Militia (LMP) have been taking turns making speeches. The essence of which was one theme; don't raise the PKI issue again.

"Through this action, we from the Jakarta Student Alliance reject all forms of politicisation of the G30S PKI tragedy. The PKI issue has already been resolved, it doesn't need to keep being brought up again", shouted AMJ action coordinator Ulah through a megaphone.

The activists are aware that the G30S PKI affair is a dark stain on the nation's history. It is fitting therefore that it be a lesson for the nation, particularly for the nation's next generation, so that it does not happen again.

"Nevertheless, as a large and cultured nation, we must be astute in dealing with it. It's inappropriate to promote individual egos and interests, either because of group or factional interests, or even for the sake of certain ideological and political ambitions", he said.

Conversely, what is fitting is that all parties must have the highest respect for the mutually agreed goal of continuing to uphold and strengthen the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and Pancasila as the state ideology.

"We should provide support and appreciation for what has already and will be done by the government in finding a solution for the future and comprehensively resolving this case. Of course all of this is being done simply for the sake of the national interest and the country that we love and for the sake of resolving this humanitarian and political tragedy in a way that is comprehensive, objective and just for all", he snarled.

As has been reported, in resolving the G30S PKI case and earlier incidents such as the 1948 Madiun [communist revolt], the government has formed a joint team made up of the Attorney General's Office, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), the TNI (Indonesian military), the National Police, legal experts and social representatives to resolve alleged past human rights violations related to the G30S affair.

Meanwhile several elderly people who their spokesperson [International People's Tribunal (IPT '65) activist] Reza Muharam referred to as historians, could be seen sitting in a group on Jl. Mendut directly in front of the YLBHI offices.

They could be seen chatting together under the guard of several police office. "We just wanted to present new fact and findings [on the 1965 affair]. Only that", said Reza.

Police have confirmed that the seminar that was to discuss the issue of the PKI at the YLBHI offices in Jakarta has been canceled. (OL-6)

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Didemo, Seminar Soal PKI di LBH Batal Digelar".]

Source: http://mediaindonesia.com/news/read/122740/didemo-seminar-soal-pki-di-lbh-batal-digelar/2017-09-16

Banning of 1965 seminar an 'extraordinary step back for democracy

Tempo - September 16, 2017

Arkhelaus W., Jakarta – Police have closed down a 1965 history seminar organised by the Forum 65 that was to be held at the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) offices on the afternoon of Saturday September 16.

LBH Jakarta Director Alghifari Aqsa says that the banning of the seminar is a step back for democracy, particularly since the seminar was being held as an academic study.

"This is an extraordinary 'side back' [sic] or step back for democracy in Indonesia", said Alghifari after making a statement at the LBH Jakarta offices late on Saturday. He explained that the Forum 65 had asked the LBH Jakarta to provide a venue and facilitate attorneys for the seminar.

Alghifari explained that the first indication that the event would be closed down was on the day before when police told the LBH that they had to provide a notification for the seminar.

The LBH Jakarta refused, said Alghifari, because there were no legal grounds that obliged a seminar to provide prior notification. "Why should we have to ask for a permit from the police or even [provide] a notification", he said.

Alghifari also heard that the police offered as a solution that the seminar be open. The LBH Jakarta agreed that the police could have representatives from the sectoral and district police present at the seminar.

"But at 6am, the participants were unable to get into the LBH [building]", he said. He accuses the police of breaking their pledge.

The police lies, said Alghifari, continued when both parties agreed to postpone the event until the participants and guests, most of whom were elderly, received permission to enter.

"Again the police failed to keep their promise", he said. In the end some of the guests were permitted to enter but only after a number of organisations arrived threatening to storm the LBH Jakarta offices.

And it didn't stop there. Alghifari said that the police also forced their way in to the building then went up to the fourth floor because they suspected that the discussion was already taking place.

Upon reaching the fourth floor, the police tore down the seminar banner and launched into a debate with several LBH representatives. Yet, said Alghifari, the police had already evaluated all of the administrative issues pertaining to the seminar. "What the police did was very excessive", he said.

Menteng sectoral police chief Deputy Senior Commissioner Ronald Purba clams that the police blockade of the LBH offices and the closure of the seminar was because the LBH failed to provide a notification of the event.

"The solution was no activities are allowed, so they can't go in", said Purba. Not long after the Central Jakarta district police chief Senior Commissioner Suyudi Ario Seto also arrived to inspect the LBH Jakarta offices.

The police's behavior on this day, said Alghifari, was different compared to when the Turn Left Festival failed to go ahead at the Taman Ismail Marzuki cultural centre in Jakarta in February last year.

Then, the police provided security for the LBH offices even though there were protests against the event. "Why didn't they do this today, the police deployed their personnel here", he said.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Begini Kronologi Pelarangan Seminar Sejarah 1965 di LBH Jakarta".]

Source: https://nasional.tempo.co/read/news/2017/09/16/078909754/begini-kronologi-pelarangan-seminar-sejarah-1965-di-lbh-jakarta

Accusations that 1965 seminar a communist party declaration is a

Tempo - September 16, 2017

Chitra Paramaesti, Jakarta – The Red-and-White Militia (LMP) have been making speeches without a permit and causing an uproar in front of the Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) offices in Central Jakarta.

The group accuses the LBH of holding a declaration of the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) because it was to hold a historical seminar on 1965, which has now been postponed.

"The PKI is still being defended", said one of the protesters during a clash with police on Saturday September 16.

The LMP began by making speeches on the street alongside the LBH offices but one of the protesters, then followed by others, tried to force their way into the building. A clash broke out between police and demonstrators with each side pushing and shoving each other.

Responding to the protests LBH Director Alghiffari Aqsa said that the group's accusations are a tired old joke. "Its misleading information that [people] shouldn't believe, there is absolutely no evidence", he said.

Alghiffari explained that members of the Forum 65 were just holding a discussion at the LBH that was open to the public. "[Our] friends from the Forum 65 wanted to be open, so that the public could observe it", he said.

The Forum 65 is a forum for discussion and dialogue on the 1965 tragedy. Alghiffari said he regrets the event was closed down by Menteng sectoral police chief Deputy Senior Commissioner Ronald Purba without providing a written notification.

"They [the police] should be defending us, although we have decided to postpone [the event], this is a step back [for democracy]", said Alghiffari.

According to Alghiffari, the Menteng sectoral police have been stopping participants and seminar committee members from entering the LBH building since 6am. "Prohibiting discussions is the same as the Orba (the New Order era)", he said.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Tuduhan Deklarasi PKI di Seminar Sejarah 1965, LBH: Guyonan Lama".]

Source: https://metro.tempo.co/read/news/2017/09/16/214909692/tuduhan-deklarasi-pki-di-seminar-sejarah-1965-lbh-guyonan-lama

Army orders screening of anti-communist propaganda film to counter

Tempo - September 15, 2017

Budiarti Utami Putri, Jakarta – The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has ordered all of its officers to hold joint screenings of the film "The Treachery of the September 30 Movement/Indonesian Communist Party" (Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI).

The order, which has been confirmed by TNI Information Centre Chief Brigadier General Wuryanto, was sent by SMS message.

"The date 30 September is a very important moment for the Indonesian nation. Currently there are a lot of attempts to distort the historical facts about the September 30, 1965 affair", said Wuryanto in an SMS message on Friday September 15.

Wuryanto is of the view that these film screenings are important to get the younger generation to understand history. He believes that since the reformasi era [the reform era that began in 1998], history, [the state ideology] Pancasila and character building have not been taught enough in school.

He also mentioned several other reasons why the TNI AD needs to encourage the public to watch the film. "[There are] efforts by a group of people to repeal the Tap MPRS No XXV/1996, efforts to push the government to apologies to the PKI, and others", he said.

Thus from all this, according to Wuryanto, the TNI needs to order all of its personnel to again watch the G30S/PKI film.

The film "Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI", which was written and directed by Arifin C. Noer, was made in 1984 during the era of former president Suharto. The film tells the story of a rebellion by the PKI which – according to the government's version of history – occurred on September 30, 1965.

During the New Order era, it was obligatory for all television stations to broadcast the G30S/PKI film on September 30 each year. All schools required their students to watch the film then conduct a review or critique. In 1998, in conjunction with the overthrow of the New Order regime, the requirement was revoked.

The film Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI is controversial and has been referred to as an effort to rewrite history in the interests of maintaining the power and mass hegemony of the Suharto regime.

After the New Order regime collapsed, many parties have spoken up questioning the validity of the historical narrative built by the government in its depiction of the September 30, 1965 affair.

Notes

Tap MPRS XXV/1966: Provisional People's Consultative Assembly Decree Number XXV/1966 on the Dissolution of the Indonesian Communist Party and Prohibitions on Marxist, Leninist and Communist Teachings.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "TNI AD Gelar Nonton Bareng Film Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI".]

Source: https://nasional.tempo.co/read/news/2017/09/15/078909510/tni-ad-gelar-nonton-bareng-film-pengkhianatan-g30s-pki

Home Affairs Minister denies reports he prohibited televising of

Kompas.com - September 15, 2017

Moh. Nadlir, Jakarta – Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo says that the public and the younger generation needs to know about the history of the September 30 Movement/Indonesian Communist Party (G30S/PKI).

"That's what's called history, so the public and the younger generation will know that there was once a coup d'etat movement", said Tjahjo in an SMS message [received by Kompas] on Friday September 15.

Because of this therefore he has no problems if "Crushing the Treachery of the G30S/PKI" is shown on national television again. "Just show it on television. I don't think it's a problem", said the senior Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician.

Tjahjo also added that there have been reports that he has forbidden the Indonesian docudrama propaganda film made in 1984 from being shown. "I have never made any such statement. I will hunt down the person making slander about my [alleged] statement", he said.

"[We are] in the process of working out who made the slanderous news. [We] already know the person and their cell phone number who spread the slander", said Tjahjo in closing.

"Crushing the Treachery of the G30S/PKI" is the title of a 1984 Indonesian docudrama propaganda film. The films was directed and written by Arifin C. Noer. It was produced over a period of two years at a cost of 800 million rupiah at that time. The film was sponsored by the New Order government during the era of former President Suharto.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Mendagri Persilakan TV Kembali Tayangkan Film Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI".]

Source: http://nasional.kompas.com/read/2017/09/15/19405021/mendagri-persilakan-tv-kembali-tayangkan-film-pengkhianatan-g30spki

New order & militarism

Soeharto was a great role model: TNI chief

Jakarta Post - September 20, 2017

Karang Anyar, Central Java – Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo visited former president Soeharto's tomb in Astana Giri Bangun, Karanganyar, Central Java, on Tuesday, where he expressed great admiration of the late dictator.

Accompanied by all the military chiefs of staff, Gatot continued his visit after previously visiting the tombs of former presidents Sukarno in Blitar and Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid in Jombang, both in East Java, as part of series of events to commemorate the TNI's anniversary next month.

The visit was to pay respects to the country's past leaders, and for all soldiers to take example from the leaders' struggles until they became presidents, Gatot said. He also expressed his compliments to the dictator who held power in the country for more than three decades under an authoritarian regime.

"Soeharto was a soldier who claimed success in all areas, making him a role model for all TNI, personnel," he said in a press statement on Tuesday.

The visit to Soeharto's tomb was made amid Gatot's controversial remarks regarding his order to hold a screening of an old propaganda film called Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI (Betrayal of the Communists) on Sept. 30, where Soeharto was portrayed to have a central role in quashing a coup blamed on the now disbanded Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

During the New Order regime, Soeharto made it mandatory for the movie to be played on national television every Sept. 30.

Despite mounting criticism, Gatot claimed the screening was meant for younger generations to know that there was a dark part in the country's history.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/20/soeharto-was-a-great-role-model-tni-chief.html

Women's rights & gender

For Indonesian women, feminist zines are a powerful rebellion

Broadly Vice - September 19, 2017

"[It's] a medium where the person or community you want to know about is usually communicating directly. It's their voice."

Though feminism isn't new to Indonesia, the country has witnessed a growing number of groups fighting for gender equality over the last decade. In the age of social media, zines have simultaneously seen a comeback as a preferred medium of expression and communication in some feminist and DIY communities.

Sri Taarna is co-founder of Unrest Collective, a group that seeks to amplify local and marginalized voices by distributing and making zines. They believe that access to information should be free and communal. Along with Ika Vantiani, one of the first female zine writers in the country, Taarna is also a member of a prominent female empowerment group in Indonesia called Kolektif Betina,

Broadly spoke with Taarna about her introduction to zines, her involvement in Indonesia's underground scene, and what she prepared for as one of the speakers of FemFest 2017 – an event in Jakarta that discusses gender, sexuality, and feminist issues.

Broadly: How old were you when you came across feminism, and how?

Sri Taarna: I was probably 13 or 14 when I first encountered feminism through the Riot Grrl movement. I was a punk kid in the mid-90s, and it made an impact on a lot of the girls in my community. Bands like Bikini Kill were huge influences. I grew up in a punk community that was dominated by men, although many of the women were close-knit friends, we looked out for each other in the pit at shows, it didn't always feel like we had a voice. That was also what led to my introduction to zines. At first, it was punk fanzines, but later I picked up zines on topics from feminism, to personal zines, to comics, to anything under the sun really.

How did you move to Indonesia?

I moved to Indonesia sort of by accident. I was living in Thailand and went on a trip with some American friends. I met the local community of punks, activists, and feminists and just connected in a way I hadn't in Thailand. I initially moved to Bandung, and frequently stayed in Jakarta. I made the permanent move to Jogja about four years ago. I moved to Jogja in large part because of a zine project I was working on with the Kulon Progo farmer activists. I was already spending a lot of time in Jogja and felt like it was a good place to start a collective space and participate in the local community.

Did you start writing zines right away when you got here?

My first zine in Indonesia was Punk Bukan Criminal in early 2012. It was a zine I made for the Aceh punks who were incarcerated in December 2011. There was a massive outpouring of support and protest from punks all over the world, and I wanted them to see that they weren't alone, that so many people cared about what was happening to them.

My second zine was to learn English for locals and Bahasa Indonesia for foreigners. I try to make sure everything I write is inclusive towards Indonesians. It wouldn't make sense for me to create media that doesn't include the people around me. Now I make all of my zines twice – one in Indonesian, one in English. Same format, same content, just different languages.

Did you ever feel weird being a foreigner promoting these beliefs in a relatively conservative country with a vastly different culture compared to the US?

What beliefs? Feminism? Zine culture? Both of these things have a rich and long history in Indonesia. I definitely didn't introduce either of these concepts here. While culturally different, the appeal of hand making your own book about anything you can imagine is appealing across cultures. Most of my local friends identify as feminists, and it's something that is evident in their activism, artwork, and daily lives. I try my best to check my Western bias and not have a colonizing role in my communities.

How effective are zines when it comes to promoting ideas like feminism compared to mass media that have wider reach?

I think it depends on whom you want to reach. Bitch magazine, for example, from the US, started as a zine and became a well-respected feminist magazine. It's easy to put everything on a blog or social media these days, which can be a powerful way to communicate, but I think people still appreciate zines. They have certainly survived in punk and activist circles, and appeal to crafters and artists as well. The type of people that make zines now are very diverse, which is part of what makes being part of this community so fun.

I think when mass media gets ahold of something, it can easily be distorted or misinterpreted. Zines are a medium where the person or community you want to know about is usually communicating directly. It's their voice. It's a form of media that is available to nearly everyone, particularly because it is so affordable. A black and white photocopy is cheap, and you don't even necessarily need access to a computer. You can handwrite and hand-draw them.

What will you present at FemFest 2017 and what do you hope people get out of it?

I'm hosting a zine workshop with the help of my friend Ika Vantiani. My goal with workshops is by the end of it people have a tangible result – a zine they can take home – [and they] feel happy that they got to contribute something, [and have] the realization that zines are for everyone. I think people sometimes feel intimidated to make their first zine, they think they need to be a professional writer or artist, but it's actually really easy, and it's a zine. There are no rules! You can make whatever you want about literally whatever you want. It's my hope that people see zine making as an egalitarian space where their voices deserve to be heard just as much as the next person regardless of their gender, sexual identification, or educational, creative, or class background.

[This article originally appeared on VICE Indonesia. The interview was produced in conjunction with FemFest 2017.]

Source: https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/xwwj8d/indonesian-women-feminist-zines-powerful-rebellion

Why do Indonesian women wear the hijab when they don't have to?

ABC News - September 17, 2017

Samantha Hawley, Indonesia – Siti Musdah Mulia can't remember a time when she didn't wear a hijab. Now the Islamic cleric sees it as her duty to don the head covering while in public.

But the self-proclaimed feminist questions why other Indonesian women wear it, when it's not compulsory to do so. "Today I can see the hijab is a commodity, it is a tool to politicise religion," the 58-year-old told the ABC.

"In Indonesia a lot of people wear the hijab, even those who don't really understand the religion. Sometimes I ask them, why are you wearing the hijab for?"

There are no government statistics on how many Indonesian women wear a Muslim head covering.

But it's widely accepted that since the fall of Suharto in 1998, more women are covering up, with the emergence of democracy allowing Islamic groups greater influence.

Alissa Wahid, a daughter of the late moderate President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur, began wearing a lose fitting batik headscarf in recent years to set an example to Indonesian women about how traditionally the head cover should be worn.

"I don't feel it is compulsory for women to wear it in a certain way and because I am Indonesian this is the way that Indonesian women wear their headscarf," she said.

"For me it is as simple as that, it is more like a mix of religion and the Indonesian culture."

Sharia-style clothing 'widely accepted': Designer

Research conducted by the Jakarta based Alvara Research Centre in 2015 showed 79.4 per cent of respondents preferred to wear a regular hijab, while 13.5 per cent preferenced the more conservative longer sharia-style hijab, which covers the breasts and buttocks.

Fashion designer Cynthia Mahendra began wearing the sharia-style covering at her husband's insistence and started designing her own after finding them difficult and expensive to purchase in Jakarta.

"Based on the Islamic rules, the guidance for clothing is it should not shape a woman's body, it should not curve at the bottom and the chest. The hijab I wear is lose from head to toe," she said.

She now sells up to 3,000 sharia-style hijabs a month. "I think now days the sharia clothing has been accepted widely, whereas before women were reluctant to wear it," Ms Mahendra said.

"So many women understand the Islamic rules and moved themselves from the casual hijab to the sharia hijab."

Wearing the niqab shows 'faith has been tested'

In 2015, the Alvara Research study showed less than 2 per cent of Indonesian women surveyed preferred wearing the niqab or burqa, both of which cover the face.

Ms Wahid said she did not mind women wearing the burqa if they were not forced to do so, but she was not critical of the ban against it in other countries.

"I can understand the public policies that are implemented in France or in some other areas in Europe," she said. "It poses more threats concerning security and also the potential for social conflict."

Professor Mulia also had no problem with the burqa being banned. "I agree with that, as a lecturer at an Islamic University I said to my dean that I refuse to let my students cover their faces because I would like to have the security that they're really my students."

"In my class they need to uncover their faces to enter and once they get to the class then they can wear whatever they like."

But as her sharia hijab business booms, Ms Mahendra spoke of her desire for all Muslim women to wear the niqab or to fully cover their face, something she herself is striving for.

"All Muslim women want to wear the niqab because after they wear it then they become perfect Muslim women," she said.

"It means their faith has been tested, they don't feel the need to show their faces, they no longer have worldly desires because they aim for afterlife."

Source: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2017-09-17/why-do-indonesian-women-wear-the-hijab-when-they-dont-have-to/1702272

Freedom of speech & expression

Journalist faces defamation probe over Indonesia's treatment of

Asia Pacific Report - September 15, 2017

Mong Palatino of Global Voices – Indonesian police in East Java are investigating a veteran journalist for comparing former President Megawati Sukarnoputri to Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi in a Facebook post.

On September 3, 2017, journalist and documentary filmmaker Dandhy Dwi Laksono wrote on Facebook that Megawati and Suu Kyi were alike in many ways, noting that both were former opposition leaders who now head the ruling parties in their respective countries.

Dandhy added that if Myanmar's government was being criticised for its treatment of ethnic Rohingya, the Indonesian government should similarly be held liable for suppressing the independence movement on the Indonesian-ruled Melanesian region of West Papua.

He further compared Suu Kyi's silence on the persecution of the Rohingya to Megawati's role as party leader of the government, which has recently intensified the crackdown on West Papuan independence and self-determination activists.

Rohingya people born and living in Myanmar are not recognised as citizens by the Myanmar government.

In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya civilians have been displaced from their homes due to clearing operations of the Myanmar military in response to attacks by a pro-Rohingya insurgent group in northwest Myanmar.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees, who are mostly Muslim, are crossing into Bangladesh to escape the fighting.

Human rights abuses

West Papua is a region of Indonesia, comprising the provinces of Papua and West Papua, with a vocal independence movement that has called for the creation of a separate Pacific state since the 1960s. Human rights groups have documented many cases of abuse committed by Indonesian state forces against activists, journalists, and other individuals suspected of supporting the independence movement.

Dandhy posted his comments on Facebook following a big rally was organised by Muslim groups in Indonesia, condemning the Myanmar government for its treatment of Rohingya refugees.

The youth arm of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) filed a defamation complaint against Dandhy on September 6:

On the whole, (Dandhy's) opinion was clearly intended to take advantage of the Rohingya incidents in Myanmar in order to insult and spread hatred of Megawati Soekarnoputri as the chairwoman of PDI-P and Joko Widodo as the president who is backed by PDI-P.

He is now under investigation by the police cyber crime unit. If he is prosecuted for and convicted of defamation, Dandhy could face up to four years in prison.

Reacting to the complaint, Dandhy wrote that it is a minor issue compared to the injustices suffered by Papuan activists and Rohingya refugees.

The complaint is the latest case of how the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law is being used to silence dissent in the country.

35 activists charged

According to Indonesian digital rights group SAFEnet, at least 35 activists have been charged with online defamation since its enactment in 2008. Aside from Dandhy's case, the group has documented six defamation charges involving activists and journalists in 2017.

Activists were quick to launch a campaign expressing support to Dandhy. They asserted that Dandhy was simply expressing an opinion which should be considered legitimate criticism and not a criminal act.

SAFEnet is encouraging Indonesian netizens to submit reports and testimonies about how the ITE Law is being abused to silence activists like Dandhy and suppress online free speech in general.

Instead of preventing the public from commenting on Megawati, a local investigative portal suggested that Dandhy's case could in fact trigger greater interest in the former president's legacy as a leader, including some of the issues that led to her defeat in the polls.

[Republished with permission from Global Voices on a Creative Commons licence.]

Source: https://asiapacificreport.nz/2017/09/15/journalist-faces-defamation-probe-for-comparing-indonesias-treatment-of-west-papua-with-myanmars-rohingya/

Democracy & civil rights

Jakarta's democracy hit lowest point in 2016: Agency

Jakarta Post - September 15, 2017

Jakarta – Democracy in Jakarta was on the decline in 2016, hitting its lowest point in the past seven years, the city's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) says.

Jakarta's score fell to 70.85 in 2016, below the 100 score for a full democracy. In 2015, the index was at 85.32. The democracy index ranged from 71.18 to 84.70 during the period of 2009 to 2014.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jakarta BPS head, Thoman Pardosi, revealed some cases that led to the gloomy state of democracy in the city.

As an example, during the run up to the gubernatorial election, the first round of which was held in February 2017, campaign activities conducted by certain parties were rejected.

"The year 2016, leading up to the election, was when some undemocratic incidents happened," Thoman said on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com.

Apart from that, some protests violated regulations. Law enforcers often responded to incidents by using tear gas, which contributed to the decline in the democracy index in Jakarta, he said.

Thoman added that in 2016, the City Council failed to deliberate a significant amount of regulations and recommendations.

The other reasons for the decline were political parties' failure to regenerate their ranks and the city administration's inability to facilitate democratic activities because of a lack of funds.

Despite the decline, Thoman said the democracy index in the city was still higher than the national score, which was 70.09. (cal)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/14/jakartas-democracy-hit-lowest-point-in-2016-agency.html

Nationalism & state ideology

Educational institutions must focus on promoting Pancasila values:

Jakarta Post - September 16, 2017

Bambang Muryanto, Jakarta – Amid growing sectarian and religious conflicts, the head of the presidential working unit on the implementation of the state ideology of Pancasila (UKP-PIP), Yudi Latif, is calling on educational institutions to greater focus on teaching values of diversity and pluralism to maintain the unity of Indonesia.

"[Providing] knowledge on citizenship must be developed to teach us how to work together and respect differences," he said in a lecture to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the Yogyakarta State University's (UNY) School of Social Sciences, on Friday.

Yudi said Pancasila was the foundation on which to develop its students. "To learn about unity, for instance, students – regardless of their background – must gather and work together to create something useful for society," he said.

Yudi said that such values were taught in other multicultural countries, such as India, and that Indonesia needed to take a similar approach as one of the most plural countries in the world.

"Just like fractions, an Indonesia that is diverse can be united only if it has a common denominator: Pancasila. Only with Pancasila can people of different backgrounds unite."

UNY rector Sutrisna Wibawa said his university continued to develop policies that aimed to make UNY a more inclusive university. To that end, UNY had sent its students to carry out field studies in remote areas located on Indonesia's borders with other countries, such as Malaysia. (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/16/educational-institutions-must-focus-on-promoting-pancasila-values-working-unit.html

Internet & social media

Slow progress in verifying news sites

Straits Times - September 17, 2017

Francis Chan – The challenge to eradicate fake news is a tall order for the Indonesian authorities in a country where more than half of its 260 million population are Internet users.

They have to monitor not only websites run by mainstream media, but also social media platforms such as Facebook and messaging apps such as Telegram.

According to the Press Council, there were more than 43,000 websites claiming to be news portals as of early this year.

"These include news aggregators or any websites that distribute news, so they are not just those that produce their own news content," said council member Nezar Patria.

"And as of today, only 620 of the more than 1,050 online news media that have registered with us have passed the verification process."

Another council member, Ms Ratna Komala, said the media watchdog is aware that many of these websites were set up to spread hoaxes.

"They do not cover news events and do not comply with journalistic values, and serve only certain interest groups, helping (clients) promote a politician's interest," she said.

The police are investigating several fake news cases, including one on the Saracen syndicate and an investigation into the source of online reports that said 10 million workers from China are now in the country.

Indonesia has set up a National Cyber and Encryption Agency to tackle such issues, while the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has, since 2015, blacklisted 800,000 sites that carry "negative content".

These include websites, chat groups and social media pages that promote Islamic extremism or terrorism, as well as those that carry information on how to build homemade bombs or mount attacks.

However, experts say the government must do more to tackle the issue of fake news because Indonesia has one of the fastest- growing groups of Internet users – almost three times the global average.

Indonesian police uncover 'fake news factory'

Allegations that Saracen received money from "clients" to spread fake news and hate speech during the multiple anti-Basuki Tjahaja Purnama street protests and the Jakarta gubernatorial election have unnerved the country.

Many observers, such as Mr Firman Kurniawan, a digital communications expert at the University of Indonesia, believes that if true, the activities of the Saracen syndicate can destabilise Indonesia politically.

Mr Damar Juniarto, regional coordinator for the South-east Asia Freedom of Expression Network, agrees, and believes that the Saracen probe is just the tip of the iceberg.

"There are still elections, for instance, in West Java next year," he said. "So we need to monitor other groups that use 'hate politics' for monetary gain."

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/slow-progress-in-verifying-news-sites

Environment & natural disasters

The eco-warrior taking a chainsaw to Indonesia's illegal palm oil

The Guardian (Australia) - September 15, 2017

Laura Villadiego in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia – Armed with a chainsaw and a copy of Indonesia's environmental laws, biologist Rudi Putra and his team of eco-warriors have been identifying and cutting down illegal palm oil plantations and recovering the lost forests of the Leuser ecosystem.

For decades, the exuberance of the largest rainforest in Indonesia's north Sumatra region, has succumbed to the rapid expansion of illegal palm oil plantations, threatening the habitats and endangering the lives of orangutans, rhinos, tigers and elephants.

Putra is trying to reverse the trend and, since 2007, has been identifying plantations encroaching into the Gunung Leuser National Park, an area marked out by the Indonesian government as a conservation forest, protected by law from land conversion, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"This work is dangerous but we have a strategy", says Putra. His team first identifies the owner of the illegal plantation and asks them to return the land to the authorities. "We inform them: 'your plantation is illegal and the police can arrest you'". Most of them release the land to avoid legal consequences, he says.

Once the land is secured, the team have to cut down each tree with a chainsaw. It is an arduous and slow process. Once the plantation has been cut down, Putra's team lets nature take its course. "We have evidence that in five years forests can start recovering", he says. During this time they monitor the area to protect young plants from dangers, including elephants and further encroachments.

So far they have restored 2,000 hectares in the Aceh Tamiang district, in the province of Aceh, according to Putra, and have started the reforestation of 2,000 more hectares.

In Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, plantations are an old enemy of the rainforests. At least 56% of the palm oil plantations established in the country between 1990 and 2005 were opened at the expense of tropical forest, according to research by the ETH Zurich.

The Gunung Leuser National Park itself was put on UNESCO's danger list in 2011 due to the "threats posed by poaching, illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, and plans to build roads through the site".

Government actions also threaten the area. The Aceh government's new Spatial Plan, a set of land laws governing development, includes further concessions in the region. Citizens in the province initiated a class action lawsuit last year challenging the legality of the government's plans.

Activists point to the palm oil sector as a main culprit in the degradation of the protected areas. The Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has released a series of reports, the most recent in July 2017, accusing palm oil companies of having links to deforestation in the Leuser Ecosystem.

Oil palms cover almost 11m hectares in Indonesia, while new plantations have been increasing at a rate of between 300,000-500,000 hectares per year for the past 10 years.

Putra, who was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2014, first picked up his chainsaw after his hometown in the district of Aceh Tamiang was razed by the floods in December 2006. A World Bank report linked the floods to the deforestation in the area and estimated the total losses at $210m.

The biologist is not the only one working to recover the lush Sumatran rainforests. The Orangutan Information Center (OIC), an NGO working on the preservation of the habitat of these big mammals, has also claimed and restored 1,500 hectares inside the Gunung Leuser National Park, while the Aceh government and park's officials at the Gunung Leuser have also claimed illegal plantations and recovered them.

"Forest is [a] life support system and [to] protect the forests means [to] protect the future of any form of life, including human population", says Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the OIC.

Once the land is cleared from oil palms, the reforestation starts. "We make a (seedling) nursery, find the most suitable seeds and plant them. When seeds are germinated, we replant them in the ground", says Rio Ardi, restoration coordinator at the OIC.

Replanting is difficult work. "The new sprouts can easily be burnt by the intense sunlight or be destroyed by elephants or other animals," says Ardi. "Moreover, the success of the reforestation will ultimately depend on how we secure the land from encroachment and wildfires."

Re-establishment of forest to its original levels typically requires 20-200 years, according to research published in Nature. Moreover, according to the study, recovery in Asia is slower than in other regions, such as Central America and Africa.

Despite the efforts, threats remain, says Putra, in a world where the demand for palm oil increases every year. Indonesia aims to raise production to 40m tons by 2020, up from almost 35m tons last year.

"People have to understand when they eat more from the palm oil product, that means we will be cutting down the remaining forests", says Putra.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/sep/15/the-eco-warrior-taking-a-chainsaw-to-indonesias-illegal-palm-oil-plantations

Health & education

Hospitals told not to demand down payments in emergencies

Jakarta Post - September 15, 2017

Jakarta – Following the death of 4-month-old Tiara Deborah Simanjorang, who was allegedly denied intensive medical treatment because her parents had been unable to make a down payment at the hospital, the Jakarta Health Agency has required hospital directors across the capital to sign a statement declaring that they would treat all patients in emergency situations.

"We made this agreement so that they will treat patients in emergency situations immediately without asking for advance payments," Jakarta Health Agency head Koesmedi Priharto said at his office in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Friday, adding that the agreement would be signed by 187 hospital directors in the city.

The agency also informed hospitals that have yet to cooperate with the Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) that they could still ask the government for a reimbursement of the medical costs of emergency patients.

The parents of Deborah, Rudianto Simanjorang and Henny Silalahi, claimed their daughter died on Sept. 3 after Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Kalideres, West Jakarta, refused to treat her in its pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) because they could not afford the Rp 11 million (US$835.6) down payment.

Koesmedi further said that Law No. 36/2014 on health workers stated that it was illegal for doctors to reject patients or ask for payments up front.

"So, we are reminding health workers [with this agreement]. In fact, the regulation has been stipulated in the law," he said. (vny)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/15/hospitals-told-not-to-demand-down-payments-in-emergencies.html

LGBT & same-sex marriage

Indonesia's tepid LGBT support at UN

Human Rights Watch Dispatches - September 21, 2017

Phelim Kine – This week at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Indonesia accepted two recommendations from UN member countries to improve the situation for sexual and gender minorities – a good step. But after 18 months of government-fueled animus against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people that has stoked a surge in violence and harassment, the government should have done better.

Indonesia had initially indicated that it would reject all LGBT-related recommendations at its Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the process in which every UN member state has its human rights record reviewed every four years. However, this week the government announced it would accept two vague proposals to "take further steps to ensure a safe and enabling environment for all human rights defenders," including LGBT activists, and a pitch to implement freedom of expression, association, and assembly rights, and give priority to equality and nondiscrimination – including for LGBT people.

But it won't go unnoticed that Indonesia rejected more specific calls to "repeal or revise legislation, notably the relevant provisions of the Aceh Islamic Criminal Code, which criminalizes sexual relations among consenting adults of the same sex," as well as to "guarantee the rights of... [LGBT] persons, through effective legal action against incitement to hatred and violent acts, as well as by revising legislation that can have discriminatory effects."

These decisions in Geneva have consequences at home. In 2012, during its first round of peer reviews at the UN, Indonesia rejected a recommendation from Spain to repeal the local law in Aceh province that criminalizes adult consensual same-sex conduct and prescribes punishment of up to 100 public lashes for offenders. The Indonesian government claimed the recommendation "did not reflect the actual situation in the province." This May, two young men paid the price for the government's negligence: Sharia (Islamic law) police raided their private home, detained and tried them, and flogged them 83 times while a crowd of thousands jeered.

The government of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo stayed silent – not even a whisper from the administration that touts "unity in diversity" as a core value. Diluted pledges at the UN don't let them off the hook, though, for abetting a campaign of hate and the officials that support it.

Source: https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/09/21/indonesias-tepid-lgbt-support-un

Indonesia's only transgender Islamic school quietly running again

Voice of America - September 18, 2017

Krithika Varagur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia's only Islamic school for transgender people closed with much drama in February 2016 after it came under fire by a local hardline Muslim group. The school's closure was one of the darkest points in a larger anti-LGBT hysteria that seized Indonesia in 2016, with its effects still reverberating.

If you ask today around the leafy Kotagede neighborhood of Yogyakarta, a university town in Central Java, for the Al-Fatah pesantren, or Islamic boarding school, you may get some blank stares. But if you ask for "Ibu Shinta's house," you'll be immediately sent on your way. Even some locals don't realize her briefly famous school is up and running again. But for Ibu Shinta, the 2016 episode was only a hiccup in the history of Pesantren al-Fatah, which turns nine years old on Thursday.

Ibu ("Madam") Shinta is Shinta Ratri, a 55-year-old transgender activist who moved the school to her family's Javanese-style house in 2014 when the school's original founder died. After four months of closure, Ibu Shinta quietly reopened al-Fatah's doors in June 2016, during Ramadan, which she described as a "good time for worship."

Beyond providing a place for weekly religious study, the re-opened school is also a lifeline of services and just ordinary social life for the local transgender community.

Waria social services

Ibu Shinta and her students are known as waria, a term for transgender women that combines the Indonesian words for woman (wanita) and man (pria). Many have found employment as sex workers or in hair salons.

The al-Fatah school has become an important local center of the national "Transgender Care" program, an initiative of the Indonesian Family Planning Association to give vocational training, ID cards, and social services to waria across Indonesia.

"There are also services related to education, like starting a 'trans school' for waria adolescents, and programs for elderly waria like mobile clinics and food aid," Ibu Shinta told VOA. "Complete, right? We pray that it works out."

On its last anniversary, the school organized a free health clinic with a local doctor that was attended by 76 people.

The Transgender Care program currently operates in eight provinces, and Ibu Shinta said an effort to "map" all its participants and services across Indonesia is an eventual goal.

Study group

Al-Fatah's main scholastic activity is a weekly study group that meets on Sunday evenings, where waria can pray together, discuss Islamic theology, and practice reading the Quran in Arabic.

On a recent Sunday, there were six waria present, including Ibu Shinta; she said there are about 42 members in total, but the weekly attendance fluctuates between seven and 25. A local university student helped Yuni Shara al-Buchory read some Quran verses. When the evening call to prayer sounded, they filed into the reception room to pray. Ibu Shinta and Yuni Shara put on satin mukenas, women's prayer dresses, and the others came as they were.

"I felt lost for the four months the school was closed, without a place to study religion," said Yuni Shara. "I would go into town to hang out, work, buy snacks, and eventually I would wonder: there is something missing, but what?" During that time it was like, she said, her life was incomplete.

But it would be wrong to paint al-Fatah as merely a place for quiet study; after all, its students aren't teenagers like in an ordinary pesantren, but working adults. The remaining six days a week, and even after hours on Sundays, it's a community hub for Yogyakarta waria. They watch movies, cook and eat together, and swap gossip on each other's clients.

It's a deep well of normalcy for a group that occupies an increasingly uncertain societal space. Granted, in Yogyakarta, that space is safer than elsewhere in Indonesia – even the region's sultan called on the community to respect the waria at the height of last year's anti-gay hysteria.

Optimistic outlook

Today, Ibu Shinta is "not at all concerned" about local Islamists. She is focused on building up warias' social safety net as well as her own school. Al-Fatah does not fundraise, but Ibu Shinta does ask researchers and students to donate about $15 when they visit.

There is rising community goodwill again, with Ibu Shinta pointing out that last year her school received one goat as a donation on Eid al-Adha (the holy annual "Sacrifice Feast" when animals are ceremonially slaughtered and shared, and this year they received two.

"Waria and other trans women constructions or phenomena have been around for a very long time," said Dede Oetomo, a prominent LGBT rights activist based in East Java. "Most Indonesians know about them, and have at least tolerated them if not accepted them fully, especially if they are not in their own families."

"We are survivors," said Ibu Shinta. "When there were attacks on and discrimination against us, it made us want to fight."

Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/indonesia-transgender-islamic-school/4033393.html

Corruption & abuse of power

Witness testimony adds pressure on Setya in e-ID case

Jakarta Post - September 15, 2017

Kharishar Kahfi, Jakarta – The latest hearing in a high-profile graft case implicating House of Representatives Speaker Setya Novanto adds to pressure on the Golkar Party chairman over his alleged role in corruption in the electronic ID (e-ID) card project.

On the witness stand, former Home Ministry secretary general Diah Anggraini said on Friday that Setya had once asked her to tell Irman, her colleague at the ministry who now serves jail time, not to reveal any connection with Setya, who has recently been named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

"[Setya] told me: 'Tell Irman that he doesn't know me, should [anyone] ask [Irman]'," said Diah, who was testifying against defendant businessman Andi Agustinus, alias Andi Narogong, at the Jakarta Corruption Court.

According to Diah, the communication with Setya occurred when the two attended a ceremony to inaugurate the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) head in late April 2014, just days after the antigraft body had named another former Home Ministry official, Sugiharto, as the first suspect in the case.

When presiding judge Jhon Halasan Butar Butar asked Diah whether she knew about Setya's intention for giving her that message at the time and whether she suspected it had anything to do with the investigation, Dian said: "I did not know."

At the time of the meeting, Irman had not yet been named a suspect in the case. He was only named a suspect in September 2016 and was recently convicted, along with Sugiharto. (ipa)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/15/witness-testimony-adds-pressure-on-setya-in-e-id-case.html

Fadli Zon could lose position after asking KPK to halt Setya

Jakarta Post - September 15, 2017

Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – Gerindra Party politician Fadli Zon may have to give up his position as a House of Representatives deputy speaker following his controversial decision to ask the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to suspend the criminal investigation into Setya Novanto.

House's Ethics Council Chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad said the council was now looking at whether Fadli had committed an ethics breach by signing and sending a letter to the KPK asking it to halt Setya's case in his capacity as a deputy House speaker.

Setya, who serves as House speaker, has been named a suspect in a high-profile graft case surrounding the national project to procure electronic identification (e-ID) cards.

Antigraft activists grouped under the Indonesian Anti-corruption Community (MAKI) have reported Fadli to the House's ethics council for allegedly abusing his position to help Setya.

"The harshest punishment that can be imposed on him if found guilty is being removed from his position," Dasco said Thursday. "This happened to [former House speaker] Ade Komaruddin previously," he added.

Dasco, a politician from the Gerindra Party, of which Fadli is also a member, said that Ade, a Golkar Party politician, was removed from his position last year after he was found guilty of abusing his position to influence a budget deliberation.

In his defense, Fadli said he had sent the letter on behalf of Setya as a "member of the public" not as a deputy House speaker. In the letter, Setya requested the KPK suspend his investigation until the South Jakarta District Court had issued a ruling on his pre-trial motion challenging the KPK's decision to name him a corruption suspect. (ary)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/14/fadli-zon-could-lose-position-after-asking-KPK-to-halt-setya-investigation.html

Terrorism & religious extremism

Terror in Indonesia: the threat posed by returning Islamic State

Sydney Morning Herald - September 21, 2017

Jewel Topsfield – Heru Kurnia, an Indonesian who joined Islamic State in Syria, is describing watching children kick around the head of someone decapitated by IS militants.

He hadn't seen the execution but saw a crowd gather at the clock tower in the Syrian city of Raqqa. "People were watching. I went closer, but oh my God, the man was already dead and the body was being treated like that."

After three-and-a-half months of battling to retake the city from pro-ISIS militants, the southern city is unrecognisable.

An IS guard left the body there and adults stood by and did nothing while kids treated a human head like a soccer ball. Later Heru's voice shudders as he spits out: "IS are sadists."

Heru is among 18 Indonesians who returned in August after reportedly escaping from a living hell that was a world away from the idealised Islamic society IS recruiters spruik online.

One man, Dwi Djoko Wiwoho, recounts IS militants asking to be informed of when his daughter began menstruating.

"We were told schools would be free there, but once we were there we were asked to marry her," he says. Heru and Djoko both appear in a slickly-produced video released this week by the Indonesian government's counter-terrorism unit, BNPT, titled "Stories of IS deportees".

The government clearly intends the video, with its melodramatic music score and ghastly anecdotes, to convey an unequivocal message: don't buy the IS hype.

More than 500 Indonesian IS supporters are still believed to be in Syria. Hundreds more have been deported back to Indonesia, returned voluntarily or killed. Another 30 Indonesians are believed to have fought with IS-linked militants in a much closer theatre of war: Marawi, on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. None have yet returned.

The threat to Indonesia posed by battle-hardened returned fighters, equipped with new skills and radical ideology, has long exercised authorities.

"The thing that would lead to a marked increase in the threat level would be skilled jihadists suddenly being back, circulating in those networks in Indonesia, imparting their skills in bombmaking and operations," says Australian National University terrorism expert Greg Fealy.

"Also the fact these people would have the prestige of having fought in the battlefield, whether the battlefield is Marawi or whether it is in Syria, they would attract quite a following. So that could be the thing that suddenly gives a dramatic step up in the ability of terrorists to launch attacks. That's what's really been the missing factor so far."

Fairfax Media has been unable to interview the returnees and verify their accounts. BNPT spokesman Hamidin insisted no one had been paid to provide their video testimonial.

But this is not the first group of Indonesians to return from Syria citing disillusionment with IS.

"Indonesians aren't high-ranking in the fight in Syria. They come back disillusioned a lot of the time after cleaning toilets, doing crappy jobs," an intelligence source tells Fairfax Media.

But terrorism analyst Nava Nuraniyah says IS sympathisers mostly cheer about IS on encrypted chat groups on the Telegram app. "On the rare occasion when people complain about things in Syria or have doubts, they are immediately silenced," she says.

Ms Nuraniyah believes the returnees who feature on the government video are genuine "but it doesn't necessarily represent the majority of Indonesian fighters or deportees". "A lot who choose to remain in Syria still believe in it."

This is consistent with the experience of C-SAVE Indonesia, a network of civil society organisations addressing violent extremism.

Since January, C-SAVE has been assisting Indonesians deported while trying to join IS in Syria to return to their homes. As of late July they had assisted more than 160 people.

Of these about 90 per cent wanted to go back to Syria, according to C-SAVE executive director Mira Kusumarini. "They want to live under a caliphate, where Islamic sharia is implemented completely," Ms Kusumarini says.

She says many refused to sign a document agreeing to abide by Indonesia's 1945 Constitution and the pluralist state ideology of Pancasila until police threatened to put them in a cell.

"Deportees regarded the government as the infidel, the enemy. When we tried to engage with the children we couldn't use the usual technique of singing and clapping hands because that was regarded as satanic."

In January 2016, multiple explosions near the Sarinah shopping mall in Central Jakarta – including one in a Starbucks cafe – killed eight people, including four civilians.

It was the first terrorist attack in Indonesia to be claimed by IS. Since then there have been a number of IS-inspired attacks, mostly low-impact suicide bombings targeting police.

But the day after the Marawi battle began in May, two explosions near a bus station in East Jakarta killed five people and an ominous link was revealed to the conflict in the Philippines.

The borders between Indonesia and the Philippines are notoriously porous and militants can easily travel by boat between the two countries without passing through immigration.

One of those arrested over the East Jakarta bus stop bombing had helped arrange travel for Indonesians to the Philippines. Another arrested by police chillingly urged Indonesians over messaging app Telegram to "learn from the conquest of Marawi".

"One possible impact of Marawi is an increased risk of violence in other countries in the region as local groups are inspired or shamed into action by the Philippine fighters," Jakarta-based terrorism expert Sidney Jones writes in a recent report.

In July a pressure cooker bomb exploded prematurely in a dormitory in Bandung, West Java. The man accused of assembling it – a 21-year-old meatball seller called Agus Wiguna – had been "obsessed" with fighting with the IS-affiliated group in Marawi, according to police.

He reportedly planned to detonate bombs in a restaurant, coffee shop and church in Bandung before flying to the Philippines.

"Once the battle for Marawi is over, it is possible that South-east Asian [IS] leaders might encourage Indonesians to go after other targets, including foreigners or foreign institutions – especially if one of them comes back to lead the operations," Jones writes.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also did not mince his words. "With the bitter memory of the 2002 Bali bombing, I am keenly alert to the risk that the next mass-casualty attack on Australian victims could well be somewhere in South-east Asia, where [IS] propaganda has galvanised existing networks of extremists and attracted new recruits," he told a security summit in June.

The latest edition of IA's glossy online magazine Rumiyah also focuses on the Philippines as IS loses its grip on a swath of Iraq and Syria, with a cover story on "The jihad in East Asia".

Anggara Suprayogi, one of the 30 Indonesians fighting with IS-linked militants in Marawi, had planned to leave for Syria to fight early this year.

But when he made contact with an Indonesian in Raqqa he was urged to fight in the Philippines instead.

It fell on the former police chief of Jatiuwung, a district of Tangerang City about 50 kilometres from Jakarta, to tell Anggara's mother her son was on a terrorist wanted list.

"Of course she was in shock," Agung Budi Laksono tells Fairfax Media. "What mother wouldn't be? Any mother whose son secretly went to war that was not a war for his country."

He says Anggara had been an obedient son who loved his family and was active in the local community.

"If Anggara found a wallet, he would look for the owner's address, return the wallet and refuse any gift," Agung says. "That in my eyes is a positive, it's rare."

Religion had been everything to him: he had even refused to use banks because charging interest is forbidden under Islam because it is thought to be exploitative.

Anggara was not the first Indonesian who wanted to fight for IS in Syria or Marawi that Agung came across in his year working in Tangerang. "It exists quite a lot," he says. "One of the reasons is a limited understanding of jihad."

What Indonesia has on its side is one of the most effective anti-terrorist police units in the world.

Detachment 88, established in the wake of the 2002 Bali bombings, has foiled multiple terror plots ranging from a plan for a female suicide bomber to blow herself up outside the presidential palace to a proposed attack on the Myanmar embassy in Jakarta.

Any attacks that have occurred are followed up almost immediately with a string of arrests.

An intelligence source says despite low technological capacity – there is not one central database of foreign fighters in Indonesia, for example – Detachment 88 is highly skilled at monitoring, infiltrating mosques and intercepting plots.

"Yes, there is growing intolerance and there is inspiration from South-east Asia, but putting aside lone wolf and small attacks most plots are stopped and that is a tick," the source says. "Australia is probably not doing as well as they are doing."

The ANU's Fealy says the sheer number of returnees as IS crumbles in the Middle East, coupled with the conflict in Marawi, has raised the terrorism threat in the region "quite a bit".

But he says the risk to Indonesia is still "well below" what it was in 2002, when Jemaah Islamiyah was at its height.

"At the time we had people like Azahari Husin and Noordin Top who were master bombmakers teaching dozens of people how to make bombs that kill a lot of people," Fealy says.

"I think there is the potential to get there very quickly, but I think we are still well below that."

– with Karuni Rompies and Amilia Rosa

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/world/terror-in-indonesia-the-threat-posed-by-returning-islamic-state-fighters-20170915-gyi11p.html

Leader of Indonesia attack plot gets 11 years in prison

Associated Press - September 20, 2017

Ali Kotarumalos and Stephen Wright, Jakarta – An Indonesian militant linked to the Islamic State group smiled and raised one finger toward heaven after a court on Wednesday sentenced him to 11 years in prison for leading a plot to attack a presidential guard-changing ceremony in Jakarta.

At the same sentencing hearing, a co-conspirator, who received six years in prison, shook his fist in the air and shouted "God is Great."

Muhammad Nur Solihin, the ring leader, and Agus Supriyadi were arrested along with two other militants including Solihin's wife in December, just one day before their planned attack on the popular family attraction at the presidential palace.

In its verdict at the East Jakarta District Court, a three-judge panel said there was no justification for either man's actions and both were guilty of violating Indonesia's anti-terror law.

The would-be suicide bomber, Solihin's wife Dian Yulia Novi, was sentenced last month to 7 1/2 years in prison. Another woman, Tutin, received 3 1/2 years for encouraging Novi to become a suicide bomber.

The apparently unrepentant militants are indicative of the challenge facing Indonesian authorities who have imprisoned hundreds of Islamic radicals in the past decade for plots and attacks. After serving their sentences, many emerge from the country's overcrowded prisons with an even greater commitment to violent radicalism and new links to other militants.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, has waged a sustained crackdown on violent jihadis since the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people, but efforts to de-radicalize convicted militants have had uneven success. Meanwhile, a new threat of attacks has emerged from Islamic State group sympathizers.

In a television interview after December arrests, Solihin said that he married Novi as his second wife to facilitate her desire to become a suicide bomber.

Presiding Judge Syafrudin Ainor Rafiek said the 37-year-old Supriyadi helped transport Solihin and the bomb for the attack from Central Java to Novi's residence in Bekasi, a Jakarta satellite city.

The 27-year-old Solihin was the alleged leader of a small extremist cell in Central Java's Solo city, police have said. His 28-year-old wife planned to run close to the presidential guards during the ceremony and blow herself up with a pressure cooker bomb.

Police have described the group as part of Jemaah Anshorut Daulah, a network of almost two dozen Indonesian extremist groups that formed in 2015 and pledges allegiance to Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Source: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_INDONESIA_TERROR_TRIAL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-09-20-04-06-12

Indonesia cops to get more guns to fend off terrorist threat

Straits Times - September 19, 2017

Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja, Jakarta – Indonesia's national police plan to get 15,000 more pistols to ensure officers are armed and are able to protect themselves amid threats against them from terrorists.

The 375 billion rupiah (S$38 million) proposal, which Parliament approved last week, comes after at least 10 incidents of attacks on policemen by militants from domestic terror groups as well as those loyal to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Lawmakers said the costs will be covered by the budget allocation for the police, which was increased in a bid to beef up the force for the country's war on terror and drugs.

"Terrorism is not the only reason for the additional fund allocation," Mr Muhammad Nasir Djamil told The Straits Times yesterday.

"We understand that much of the equipment and firearms used by the police are outdated, and therefore need to be replaced."

Mr Nasir, who is a ranking member of the parliamentary committee for law and security, said the annual budget for the police has been increased to almost 100 trillion rupiah, up from the 84 trillion rupiah approved earlier this year.

The latest funding bump means that the annual budget for the police has more than doubled since President Joko Widodo took office three years ago – when it was just 44 trillion rupiah – as efforts to fight terrorism intensified.

The police, which carry the lion's share of Indonesia's burden in counter-terrorism, have been under-equipped for some years.

But Mr Nasir said what is important is not just the handguns, but also the work put in by the police to detect any impending threats so that the authorities can take preemptive action. "So what counts more are the men behind the guns."

The Straits Times understands that state-owned arms manufacturer Pindad would supply the police with some of the weapons, while the rest would be imported.

Currently, Indonesian police are issued with semi-automatic pistols from Pindad, as well as others made in Europe such as the SIG Sauer P226 from Switzerland and the Glock 29 from Austria.

Police in Indonesia have increasingly been the targets of ISIS-affiliated terrorists, who consider the officers as enemies for challenging the militants' objective of turning Indonesia into a caliphate.

There have been at least 10 attacks against the police – including a handful that resulted in officer fatalities – since 2010.

The last major incident was on June 30, when two Indonesian policemen were injured after a militant attacked them with a bayonet during Friday evening prayers at a mosque near the national police headquarters in South Jakarta.

The assailant brandished the knife and rushed towards the officers. The two policemen were later rushed to hospital. The assailant was shot dead.

Meanwhile, on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri last year, an ISIS-affiliated suicide bomber on a motorcycle, who was targeting the local police headquarters in Solo, blew himself up after he was stopped by officers from entering the compound.

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesia-cops-to-get-more-guns-to-fend-off-terrorist-threat

West Java police foils terrorist plot against Indonesian President

Straits Times - September 18, 2017

Francis Chan, Jakarta – Police in Indonesia's West Java on Monday (Sept 18) foiled a plot to attack President Joko Widodo and his security detail, after they arrested a 31-year-old militant with five Molotov cocktails, or petrol bombs.

The suspect was nabbed near a helicopter landing pad at Penggung Airport in Cirebon, a city in West Java province, where President Joko, better known as Jokowi, was visiting on Tuesday for a cultural festival.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect, identified by the police by the initials "IM", is a member of the Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), a local terrorist network with ties to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The JAD has also been behind a series of attacks in Indonesia recently.

West Java police spokesman Umar Surya Fana told Detik News that aside from the Molotov cocktails, the suspect was also carrying, among other items, a bayonet, an Airsoft replica of a pistol, as well as a note with an invitation for jihad.

This is the second attempt by JAD militants in just over a month to attack the President and police officers.

Indonesian counter-terrorism police on Aug 15 also foiled a plot to attack the Istana Negara presidential palace in Jakarta with "chemical bombs" after they arrested five suspects during a raid in Bandung, also in West Java.

The suspects, said to be members of a local JAD cell, include a married couple who were deported from Hong Kong recently after being caught for allegedly spreading extremist ideology.

The terror plot was uncovered by officers from police counter-terrorism unit Densus 88 when they raided a house in Antapani, a small village in Bandung.

Among the items found in the house were chemicals that the suspects had planned to use in home-made bombs, said the police.

The arrest in Bandung came just two days before Indonesia celebrates its 72nd Independence Day on Aug 17.

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/west-java-police-foils-terrorist-plot-against-indonesian-president-joko-widodo

Students sent home from Indonesian Islamic school Linked to Child

Reuters - September 18, 2017

Jakarta – Students at an Islamic school that Indonesian authorities have linked to Islamic State returned home after villagers nearby demanded its closure, a school spokesman said on Sunday (17/09).

A Reuters investigation published this month found at least eight staff and four students from the Ibnu Mas'ud school in Sukajaya, West Java either traveled or tried to travel to Syria to join the jihadist group between 2013 and 2016.

Spokesman Jumadi told Reuters the school was empty after the local police chief said failure to comply with the closure demands would lead to a "big demonstration" by residents from five surrounding districts.

The school denies it supports IS, or any other militant groups. It also says it does not advocate a violent or extreme version of Islam.

Jumadi, who goes by only one name, said the police warning prompted the school to call parents to pick up the roughly 250 students. Police could not be immediately reached for comment.

One of the four students, Hatf Saiful Rasul, left for Syria when he was 11 and died fighting with IS a year later in September 2016. His father, imprisoned militant Syaiful Anam, wrote that his son was inspired to travel by teachers and students of the school who had joined IS.

During the school's decade of operation in Depok, outside Jakarta, and then at Sukajaya, at least another 18 people with links to it have been convicted or are now under arrest for militant plots and attacks in Indonesia, Reuters reported. They include former students, teachers, parents, founders and donors.

During its investigation, Reuters reviewed court documents, deeds of entitlement and interrogation reports, and interviewed counter-terrorism police, donors and former militants.

Memorizing the Koran

School head Agus Purwoko told reporters last week it only taught pupils "how to read and memorize the Koran."

"So Ibnu Mas'ud, in a way, is a childcare. There are also parents who send their kids here because they are divorcing, going to jail, or facing other problems."

Sukajaya village chief Wahyudin Sumardi told Reuters in July that residents had been concerned about activities at the school for years.

Local resentment ignited when a member of the school's staff allegedly burned a red and white banner in the village celebrating Indonesia's Independence Day on Aug. 17.

Irate residents rallied outside the school, according to police, village chief Wahyudin and school spokesman Jumadi.

Jumadi agreed the next day to move or close the school in a month. But school head Agus and some rights activists said he signed documents under duress and the school should not be closed on the basis of minor damage to patriotic bunting.

"We asked the police to prevent the mass protesters taking the law into their own hands and to separate the activities of the children from allegations of involvement in terrorism," said Usman Hamid, director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

Hamid said the school's closure would increase the students' chances of being radicalized.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/students-sent-home-indonesian-islamic-school-linked-child-fighters/

Perpres detailing military involvement in counterterrorism needed:

Jakarta Post - September 16, 2017

Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – Muhammad Syafii, the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on the deliberation of the 2003 Counterterrorism Law's draft revision, said that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo should issue a presidential regulation (Perpres) that details the Indonesian Military's (TNI) role in counterterrorism operations.

Speaking after a meeting with Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto on Friday, Syafii said the government and the House had agreed that the TNI should be more actively involved in Indonesia's counterterrorism measures, instead of continuing with its current supporting role.

Syafii said Article 7 (2) of Law No. 34/2004 on the TNI clearly stipulated the military's role in counterterrorism; hence, lawmakers decided it no longer needed the House and the government to stipulate such details in the law's draft revision.

"We agreed that based on the mandate of Article 7 [2], the government should issue a Perpres to stipulate the details on TNI counterterrorism roles, such as how and in what conditions the TNI could be involved in counterterrorism operations," Syafii said on Friday.

He went on to say that under the revised law, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) would take a leading role in coordination among institutions involved in counterterrorism measures, including the TNI and the National Police.

The Gerindra Party lawmaker further said the draft revision, the deliberation of which had been taking place for more than a year, was expected to be assessed at the House's plenary meeting in December this year."We hope that after the House passes the bill into a law, the issuance of the Perpres will immediately follow," Syafii said. (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/16/perpres-detailing-military-involvement-in-counterterrorism-needed-lawmaker.html

Islamic boarding school in Bogor faces closure, accused of being

Jakarta Globe - September 15, 2017

Jakarta – Ibnu Mas'ud pesantren, or Islamic boarding school, near Bogor in West Java is facing closure as residents plan a protest on Sunday (17/09) to shut down the premise after rumors went around that the establishment has been used as a nest for terrorist activities.

The school is also accused of being anti-government, or even anti-Indonesia, since boarders had burnt red and white decorative flags hung by local residents around the pesantren a day before Independence Day on Aug. 17.

Hundreds of children in the boarding school, mostly six-year-olds from poor families around the area, may soon lose the only place where they can study.

Agus Purwoko, chairman of the Al Urwatul Usro Foundation, which opened the boarding school in 2011, said he did not witness the flag-burning incident and insisted he wanted to keep the pesantren open.

"My pesantren is small. We're a group of marginalized people, why the protest? If they suspect terrorism, talk to me. We're never involved in terrorism, why are they blaming us?" Agus said. Agus said the children will be traumatized if their school is closed down.

"The police have told me, residents from four subdistricts are coming here on Sunday to shut us down," Agus said in Jakarta on Thursday. He said the boarding school has already received threats and intimidation from residents.

Usman Hamid, the director of Amnesty International Indonesia, said the flag-burning incident is being used as an excuse by certain groups to close down the boarding school. "They want to blame the whole pesantren for the action of one person," Usman said.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/islamic-boarding-school-bogor-faces-closure-accused-hotbed-terrorist-activities/

Freedom of religion & worship

Muslims celebrate Islamic New Year to promote tolerance

Jakarta Post - September 21, 2017

Aman Rochman and Apriadi Gunawan, Malang, East Java and Medan, North Sumatra – Indonesians across the country celebrated on Thursday the Islamic New Year with traditional festivities and rituals.

In Malang regency, East Java, hundreds of residents from different religious backgrounds took part in a traditional parade to celebrate the Islamic New Year. The celebration took place in the Wonosari village, at the foot of the Mount Kawi.

For members of Javanese communities, the Islamic New Year coincides with the Javanese New Year which also falls on the first day of Suro in the Javanese calendar.

In the parade, locals brought offerings and ogoh-ogoh (giant effigies) which they carried in a procession along the village's roads.

Village head Kuswanto said the event was held with the aim also to promote tolerance. "Each ogoh-ogoh could cost up to Rp 5 million [US$375] which was shared by residents regardless their religious backgrounds," he said.

"Each year, we use different theme for the ogoh-ogoh. Usually participants use characters from movies or television dramas that are currently popular," Kuswanto added.

The event has also been made as a regular tourist attraction. Rudi Mardiana, 56, a visitor from Bandung, West Java, said he came to village to celebrate Islamic New Year and joined a mass prayer that he hoped could bring success to his business.

In Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, hundreds of local residents celebrated Islamic New Year by joining a parade. The participants marched from the Medan Grand Mosque on Jl. Diponegoro to the Taqwa Mosque on Jl. Mongonsidi. (bbs)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/21/muslims-celebrate-islamic-new-year-to-promote-tolerance.html

Jakarta & urban life

Jakarta is third most polluted

The Star - September 17, 2017

Jakarta – Anyone who wants to live a healthy life may have to consider moving out of Jakarta, as the city continues to climb up the rankings for the world's worst air quality.

Based on a real-time air quality index uploaded to the Airvisual application at midday on Friday, Sept 15, Jakarta ranked third as the most polluted city in the world, after Beijing and Dhaka, among 70 cities measured across the globe.

In mid-August, the application showed that Jakarta was at the top of the list, followed by Ankara, Turkey and Lahore, Pakistan.

Residents in the Indonesian capital may have experienced the worsening air quality due to hazy air and the sharp smell of exhaust fumes from vehicles.

Filani Olyvia, 25, a resident of Mampang Prapatan, in South Jakarta, said she was worried about her health because she rides an ojek (motorcycle taxi) to work every day.

Greenpeace Indonesia revealed that air pollution in Greater Jakarta, with its high exposure to a carcinogenic pollutant called PM2.5, was three times higher than the maximum "safe" level recommended by the World Health Organisation of 25 micrograms per cubic metre.

According to research conducted by Greenpeace from January to June, the air in Greater Jakarta was considered "unhealthy" and hazardous for residents, especially children, pregnant women and the elderly.

"In general, there has been a significant increase in premature deaths resulting from strokes, heart disease, respiratory infections (or what the local authorities call ISPA) in children, lung cancer and chronic lung diseases," said Bondan Andriyanu, Greenpeace campaign spokesman for climate and energy.

Using the risk analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Project conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Greenpeace found that the great increase of people who suffered from pollution-related diseases occurred in areas highly exposed to the pollutant.

To protect themselves against emissions of PM2.5, residents have been advised by Greenpeace to wear N95 surgical masks, instead of regular disposable masks.

"We also urge the government to establish a proper, publicly accessible air quality monitoring system for residents," he said. – The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2017/09/17/jakarta-is-third-most-polluted-city-continues-to-climb-up-rankings-for-worlds-worst-air-quality/

Criminal justice & legal system

Be careful of social media pitfalls, judges warned

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Panca Nugraha, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara – The Judicial Commission has warned judges to be careful when using social media because it has the potential to violate certain codes of ethics.

"We don't have any intention of seeking out mistakes made by judges. We just want to avoid any ethical violations when they are using social media," the commission's spokesman, Farid Wajdi, said Tuesday. He was speaking during a focus group discussion held at the Mataram District Court in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday,

Attended by about 50 judges from state, religious and administrative courts from 10 cities and regencies across the province, the discussion talked about the implementation of codes of ethics and codes of conduct for judges.

Farid said the commission had received reports of social media-related ethical violations allegedly committed by judges.

Citing examples, Farid said one judge posted a status on social media about cases he or she was working on, while another one criticized a case being handled by a peer.

"Criticizing a case that is being handled by another judge can be considered an ethical violation. Posting such a status on social media can trigger a war of opinion," he added.

In another case, a judge was reported when he was accused of having an affair. The case came to light after he posted several intimate pictures of a woman on his social media account.

Farid said the commission had, in these cases, sent out written and verbal warnings. (foy/ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/19/be-careful-of-social-media-pitfalls-judges-warned.html

80 people killed in police's war on drugs: Amnesty International

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – The tough stance taken by the government against drug dealers has taken a deadly turn that has seen a significant rise in the number of victims being shot dead by law enforcement personnel, Amnesty International Indonesia has said.

A researcher for the organization, Bramantya Basuki, revealed that based on Amnesty's data, 80 people have died between January and Sept. 19 this year. "The number is four times higher than the 18 people shot dead last year," Basuki said on Tuesday.

In a meeting discussing gun usage by the police, Amnesty questioned whether the police had conducted an internal review regarding the increasing cases of alleged drug dealers being shot dead when resisting arrest.

The growing number of incidents has raised concerns that Indonesia's fight against drugs could mimic the controversial anti-drug policy being conducted in the Philippines.

"There is a reason why the number of deaths is so large. We are concerned that if there is no review and internal investigation, these incidents will snowball, similarly to what is happening in the Philippines," Basuki said.

Amnesty International had recorded that up to February 2017, 7,000 people were killed in anti-drug operations in the Philippines, that has allegedly been marred by many irregularities.

Basuki added that his organization did not reject the shoot-to-kill policy or gun use by members of the police. "But what we really want to emphasize is for all members to comply with National Police regulations," he said.

The National Police had previously announced that Indonesia had become the main target of international drug syndicates following tougher anti-drug policies imposed by neighboring countries like the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia. Police argued that a tougher stance is needed to eradicate drug trafficking in the country. (rin)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/09/19/80-people-killed-in-polices-war-on-drugs-amnesty-international.html

Foreign affairs & trade

Australia-Indonesia free trade talks going round in circles

Melbourne Age - September 20, 2017

Jewel Topsfield, Jakarta – The latest press conference on free trade deal negotiations between Australia and Indonesia felt a lot like Groundhog Day.

Australian Trade Minister Steven Ciobo and Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita proudly told the assembled media that Indonesia will reduce tariffs on imported Australian raw sugar and Australia will eliminate import duties on Indonesian herbicides and pesticides.

Australia and Indonesia agreed to restore defence co-operation following a bilateral meeting between Malcolm Turnbull and Joko Widodo.

Only problem is that's what the two nation's leaders had pledged to do way back in February. Is this really the sum total of progress to this point?

It does make it harder to believe the two countries will deliver the "high quality bilateral free trade agreement" Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said they were committed to in February.

Especially given the ministers on Wednesday said they hoped the deal would now be done in November – a month earlier than expected.

All the public evidence is the two sides are getting further apart. Just days ago Indonesia filed a complaint against Australia in the World Trade Organisation over anti-dumping duties imposed on A4 paper exported from Indonesia.

The duties, imposed in April, will increase the import tariff on Indonesian paper from zero to a range of 12.6 to 45.1 per cent.

The Indonesian government has also expressed its "deep concern" over an investigation into the alleged dumping of steel rods exported from Indonesia.

"If you want smooth sailing then you shouldn't be in politics and you shouldn't be involved in international trade," Mr Ciobo said.

"There are always trade irritants, there are always challenges. However... the trade and investment climate between Indonesia and Australia continues to grow stronger. If we can successfully conclude the deal this will be the first deal Indonesia has done for over a decade."

Last month Indonesia's chief trade negotiator, Deddy Saleh, told Fairfax Media Indonesia would not fully open its markets to Australia if it disrupted Indonesia's domestic industries.

He also said that both countries would need to compromise if a deal was to be reached. The two ministers on Wednesday laughed and deflected questions about where compromise might be likely.

Ciobo doesn't like to spell out where he wants change but reluctantly nominated skim milk powder.

"If we were able to reduce that tariff the consequence would be that skim milk powder would potentially be cheaper here in Indonesia," Mr Ciobo said.

"The reason that's important is that Indonesia uses that skim milk powder to make sweetened condensed milk which Indonesia then exports. That speaks to the types of regional supply chains where we can achieve win-win outcomes."

Minister Lukita said he wanted to increase the amount of herbicides and pesticides exported to Australia "for sure" but had also suggested exporting Toyotas.

Lowy Institute research fellow Matthew Busch expressed scepticism back in March about whether the now twice-sold sugar and pesticides deal was likely to deliver "meaningful change in respect of market access for Australian exports".

Told about Wednesday's exercise in press conference recycling, Mr Busch said: "This is the reality about how difficult it is to get Indonesia and Australia on the same page with trade".

"That's a consequence of a bunch of different things – the relative prosperity of the countries, their histories, where they are in terms of economic reform. To find win-win solutions is difficult."

Mr Busch said his instinct was that the free trade deal – known as the Indonesia Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement – would not be as ambitious as it was at the outset.

But he said it was important to get the deal done given both countries had committed to a deadline. "There is probably some things you could do if you had more time but I think given so much has been made of it being done they should go ahead and do it."

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/business/the-economy/australiaindonesia-free-trade-talks-going-round-in-circles-20170920-gylbqi

'They are victims': the Indonesian minors jailed in Australia and

The Guardian (Australia) - September 18, 2017

Kate Lamb, Jakarta – For Indonesian lawyer Lisa Hiariej, taking on the Australian government has been a bit like waiting for Godot.

It is almost five years since she decided to take legal action on behalf of 115 Indonesians she alleges were wrongly incarcerated as minors in adult prisons and detention centres across Australia. In that time, not once has a government representative showed up to meet her about the case.

At first, Hiariej says, she sought compensation through mediation but, after repeated summons were denied, and a FOI request rejected, she decided to take the government to court, suing it for $1.3m in a class action lodged in Indonesia.

Somewhat improbably, the central Jakarta district court agreed to hear the case but at each hearing since February "the Australians" have failed to show.

In May, a letter detailing the "doctrine of sovereign immunity" was delivered in court before Hiariej arrived. Drafted by a Jakarta law firm, the letter suggested the Australian government agencies being sued again had no intention of appearing. The case comes to court again on Tuesday.

"September 19 is the last call for the Australians," Hiariej told the Guardian from a Jakarta cafe. "But even if they don't come the trial will continue, with or without them."

Hiariej argues her clients were minors and were lured into working as crew on boats ferrying asylum seekers to Australia. Once arrested by Australian authorities, she says, they were subject to controversial and since discredited x-ray tests that incorrectly determined they were adults.

At the time Australia adhered to a policy that members of people-smuggling crews found to be minors should be returned home. Instead, Hiariej says, her clients were detained for between six months and almost three years, 34 in adult jails and 81 in detention centres. The youngest, she says, having chased down all their birth certificates, was only 14.

Hiariej is suing four government agencies for compensation – the Australian federal police, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the commonwealth director of public prosecutions and the attorney general's department.

The Australian foreign affairs department said in a statement it respected the Indonesian judicial system but did not recognise the court's jurisdiction in the matter and would make no further comment: "In accordance with established legal principles, Australia has advised the court that as a sovereign state, its agencies are not subject to the jurisdiction of the court."

Hiariej says her clients should not be treated as people-smugglers. "They are victims, not criminals," she says. "OK, they broke the law against people-smuggling. Yes, but they didn't know what they were doing. They are uneducated, you know, some can read, some can't. They are really super poor. Why didn't Australia just let them go?"

Hiariej argues that her clients, mostly from parts of Indonesia's underdeveloped east, such as West Timor and its surrounds, were tricked into working for people-smuggling syndicates, told they would be ferrying tourists or transporting goods and sometimes offered the equivalent of six months' pay.

Faisal Arysad, now 25, was 15 when he accepted an offer of Rp15 million, more than half a year's pay, to ferry "tourists" from his home town of Kupang to Java. Intercepted en route, he was taken to a detention centre in Darwin, where an x-ray test showed he was an adult.

"They [the authorities] said, 'If you are really underage, where are your documents to prove it? You can say anything you like but we need proof.'"

Arysad was then transferred to Arthur Gorrie jail in Brisbane. "I was scared," he says, "I cried for a week straight. I just wanted to go home. I woke up every morning and cried."

In the nine months that Arysad was detained, his lawyer had travelled to Kupang to obtain his birth certificate. When it was shown to the court and his true age was revealed, Arysad was told he was going home.

Days before she is due back in court, Hiariej reels off other details of the case in rapid fire, appearing at once exhausted and energised by a recent ruling she believes could have strong bearing on her claims.

In late July the court of appeal in Western Australia ruled that charges against Indonesian national Ali Jasmin constituted a "miscarriage of justice" and the x-ray tests used to determine his age and subsequent incarceration were "inappropriate, inaccurate and misleading".

It is now believed Jasmin was only 13 when he was picked up by the Australian navy on an asylum seeker boat in 2009. After pleading guilty to charges of people-smuggling, he spent almost three years in Perth's maximum security Hakea prison.

Jasmin is not her client but Hiariej believes that, if a court can deem his treatment unjust, the same x-rays tests that led to her clients' detention should be viewed in the same light.

Hiariej was born in Indonesia but is a permanent resident in Australia. It was a 2012 visit to one of her clients at Sydney's Silverwater jail that led her into this uncertain legal battle.

Working with an Australian law firm, she was representing an Indonesian man charged with people-smuggling who claimed that an Indonesian minor, Muhammad Rasid, had been wrongfully detained in the same jail.

She met Rasid and four others soon afterwards at Villawood detention centre, where they had been transferred while they waited for their flights home to be arranged.

"It was their idea to bring it to the court," she says. "They found out that they were not in the wrong, that they were under age and that is why they were going home."

Hiariej agreed to help and from there her new clients rallied, contacting all the other Indonesians they believed had been wrongly detained. Before she knew it, her client list had ballooned from five to 115.

Working pro bono, Hiariej says she has poured $100,000 of her savings into the case because she believes in their fight. Many have been traumatised by being held alongside convicted murderers, paedophiles and drug dealers, she says.

One minor, she says, was particularly terrified after sharing a cell in Blacktown jail with a man who had murdered his whole family.

"He was in that same room and he couldn't sleep," she says. "He was just thinking, 'Oh my god, maybe he will kill me.' That was very stressful for him."

Another allegedly returned home only to find his family had already performed his burial rites. Because he had been gone so long, they believed he had died at sea.

If Hiariej wins the case, the $1.3m in compensation will be divided up. Even a relatively small amount for each client will go a long way in Indonesia, providing much-needed financial help for them to finish school or start a small business.

"I just want justice for them," she says. "If I don't fight for them, who will?"

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/19/they-are-victims-the-indonesians-jailed-in-australia-and-their-five-year-legal-battle

Analysis & opinion

Daw Suu and Ibu Mega

New Mandala - September 19, 2017

[The following opinion piece by Indonesian journalist and filmmaker Dandhy Laksono made headlines after he was reported to police under Indonesia's controversial online defamation laws for comparing Megawati Soekarnoputri to Aung San Suu Kyi. For readers' interest we are pleased to share a translation of his post prepared by Hellena Souisa.]

Dandhy Laksono – It's hard not to join the crowd of those furious with the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, for what has happened to the Rohingya. A former political prisoner of 15 years, Suu Kyi is now considered to have power and influence after her party (NLD) won national elections in November 2015. However, she has been seen as inadequate in preventing the slaughter of ethnic Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar's army and Buddhist hardliners.

In addition to being the leader of the winning party of the election, she is also the State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The office of Counsellor is equivalent to Prime Minister and has a 5 year term. Of course, in a country that has a number of powerful generals, I think political assessments cannot be naive. Often military members have their own agenda that is not always in line with the civilian government in power.

President John F Kennedy was feeling overwhelmed with the agenda of his generals at the Pentagon and the CIA amid the Cuban missile crisis and the Bay of Pigs invasion (1961), which brought him to the brink of starting a nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Likewise, Suharto and his comrade generals built contacts discreetly with Allied parties in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, when then President Sukarno was promoting a 'Ganyang Malaysia' ('crush Malaysia') campaign in 1963.

Our judgement of Suu Kyi in the case of the Rohingya should therefore always consider this delicate balance of power within the country, especially as Myanmar has been under the power of a military regime for more than 50 years, one which also had a record of killing civilians: for example, the bloody 8888 uprising in which 3,000 to 10,000 people died. (The number of 8888 is taken from the date of the event, 8 August 1988, while the resistance movement also has the other "magic number" of 7777, from the series of protests started on 7 July 1977).

Nevertheless, it seems that Suu Kyi did not push back in the same way that Kennedy did when he felt he was being harassed by the hardline generals. Instead, there is an impression that Suu Kyi is part of the problem. She always mentions that the case of the Rohingya is another example of violence that also occurs among other ethnic groups, such as the Karen.

The disappointment in Suu Kyi was further evident in May 2017, when the Myanmar Government refused and denied UN reports of what was happening to the Rohingya in Rakhine State. In June 2017, the Myanmar government shut down access to UN investigators.

In 2013 Suu Kyi even made a comment that was considered racist, when being interviewed by the BBC reporter, Mishal Husain. After the interviewer bombarded her with questions about the Rohingya case, Suu Kyi said "no-one told me I was going to be interviewed by a Muslim", according to a biography written by Peter Popham. Moreover, there is an excerpt of Suu Kyi's interview which showed her determination to accumulate power after she won the election: she said she would be "above the president, I will make all the decisions because I am the leader of the winning party." The context of the statement was an affirmation of Suu Kyi that although the military group challenged her with a constitution that made her ineligible to be president (because both of her children hold a British passport) she considers herself more powerful than the head of state.

So, how does this have anything to do with Megawati?

In a different context and with different details, Indonesians also have experienced a situation where an icon of the struggle for democracy – one who was once repressed by the New Order regime (such repression meeting its peak in the events of 27 July 1996) – turned out to be unreliable, and did not fulfil their promise of being an agent of nonviolent problem solving.

Even though her party won national elections in June 1999 with about 34% of the vote, the Chairperson of PDI-P (Indonesian Democratic Party of Stuggle), Megawati Soekarnoputri, was aware that it did not automatically make her president, since at that moment the president was still elected by the People's Consultative Assembly.

In her post-election victory speech at Lenteng Agung on 29 July 1999, she continued her campaign and burst into tears:

"For the people of Aceh, if I am trusted to lead the country, believe me, Cut Nyak [comparing herself to the Acehnese anticolonial fighter] will not allow a single drop of blood to hit the land of Rencong, which has great merit in promising the independence of Indonesia. For you all, I will give my love. I will give the outcome of your Arun [natural gas field] so that the people can enjoy how the beautiful Porch of Mecca is if built with love and responsibility for our fellow citizens of Indonesia."

Not only addressing the Acehnese, who had experienced the bloody operation under the code name of 'Red Net' from 1988 to 1998, Megawati also had some words for Papua:

"This is also what I am going to do to my brothers and sisters in Irian Jaya and beloved Ambon. The day of victory is not far away, brothers and sisters."

But we all know what happened later, as has been written in our history. After she replaced President Abdurrahman Wahid, who took the road of peace and cultural diplomacy in handling Aceh, President Megawati sent 40,000 soldiers to Aceh on 19 May 2003 and declared martial law. Much more than "one single drop" of blood was spilt there. Most likely, she followed the beat of the drum played by generals and diplomats who engineered the war in Aceh by leaving series of international negotiations deadlocked, even capturing the Free Aceh Movement (GAM)'s negotiator. (This is particularly reminiscent of what the Dutch General de Kock did when he caught Diponegoro during the negotiation process in the Java War in colonial times.)

As a producer of the Liputan6 SCTV news program at that time, the footage of Megawati's speech in Lenteng Agung on 29 July 1999 was one that I looked for when I made a review of the martial law in Aceh.

According to the digital catalogue, the recording was on one of the Betacam cassettes in the library. I sought for it in racks of tapes, and yet I could not find it. The librarian was also confused because that tape was not on the lending list. I insisted the tape be found immediately.

Senior journalists tipped me off that tapes containing sensitive material have always ended up "missing" in Indonesian televisions stations' libraries, let alone recordings of the speeches of a politician who becomes president. Hearing that, the librarians and I became even more active in looking for it. We looked in every corner of the library and the editing room, with faith that it was unlikely that the tape was smuggled out. Martial Law was announced early that morning and I only mentioned the tape in the afternoon editorial meeting.

After hours of searching, the tape was finally found on top of a shelf. We could only see the tape after the librarian climbed up a chair. There were no other tapes in there, only that one. When we played it back, it was exactly in the middle of Megawati's speech. (One tape lasted up to 90 minutes, and usually consisted of a variety of events). Luckily, someone uploaded that historic speech to YouTube, although it is incomplete. (The speech about Aceh can be viewed here from minute 03:00.)

Arun gas field revenue sharing, which she mentioned, was only included in the Aceh Government Law after the Helsinki peace talks in August 2005. Even these negotiations were forced by the tsunami, and not based on political will.

As for Papua, Abdurrahman Wahid, who had never campaigned for president nor wept in front of cameras, in fact implemented humanitarian diplomacy in Papua. The Morning Star flag could be raised as a cultural symbol, and he permitted the Papuans to hold the Papuan People's Congress.

But when replaced by Megawati, the approach to Papua suddenly changed. The generals who complained during the time of Gus Dur were again given an opportunity to discharge their libido of "nationalism and patriotism". In November 2001, during Megawati's presidency, the assassination of Theys Hiyo Eluay occurred. Theys was the leader of a transformation in Papua from physical resistance to political diplomacy.

So until now, the supposedly imminent "day of victory" has taken the shape of a massive and historically unprecedented capture. Right after Megawati's party returned to power through PDI-P's legislative victory in 2014, and the election of President Joko Widodo (whom she called a "party functionary", just as Suu Kyi asserted her power), the number of arrests of citizens in Papua has rocketed to 1,083 people, higher than the number arrested by President SBY. Even according to the records of LBH Jakarta and Tapol, between April and June 2016 alone, there were 4,198 Papuans arrested in various places in Indonesia for expressing their political aspirations.

[Dandhy Dwi Laksono is a documentarian, and journalist. He is a founder of WatchdoC Documentary, and co-founder of acehkita.com, where this article first appeared in Bahasa Indonesia. You can follow him on Twitter at @dandhy_laksono. Hellena Souisa is a PhD Candidate at the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne. You can follow her on Twitter at @sweethellena.]

Source: http://www.newmandala.org/daw-suu-ibu-mega/

Indonesia's dangerous 'anti-communist' paranoia

Human Rights Watch Dispatches - September 18, 2017

Phelim Kine – The fear of communists is alive and well in Indonesia.

On Monday a violent mob of hundreds of "anti-communists" attacked the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute's offices, after false reports claimed it was hosting a meeting of the long-outlawed Communist Party of Indonesia. The ensuing melee injured five police officers trying to disperse the demonstrators and 22 suspected rioters were arrested.

The attack comes in the long shadow of lingering impunity for the country's anti-communist purge in 1965, when the Indonesian government gave its military and local militias free rein to kill "communists." Over several months, at least 500,000 – possibly even one million – people were slaughtered. Victims included members of the Communist Party of Indonesia, ethnic Chinese, trade unionists, teachers, activists, and artists. In the 52 years since, Indonesian officials have justified the mass killings as a necessary defense against Communist Party inroads.

For decades, public discussion of the massacre has been officially banned, and police on Saturday had canceled a planned public seminar on the killings organized by the legal aid office ostensibly because they lacked a permit to do so. Last month, the Indonesian police and military forced the cancellation of a public workshop on financial compensation for victims of the mass killings.

Yet public discussion about the massacres has increased in recent years, aided by the release of the documentary films The Act of Killing in 2012 and The Look of Silence in 2014. In April 2016 the government sponsored a two-day symposium that allowed Indonesians to hear accounts from survivors and victims' family members. That month, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo ordered an official effort to document the location of victims' mass graves, and shortly thereafter the government committed to investigating a list of 122 alleged mass grave sites compiled by victims' advocacy groups. That remains an empty promise.

The government's acquiescence to violent thugs and abusive security forces who seek to stifle discussion of the 1965 massacres suggests that protecting the official version of events, as well as those responsible for atrocities, still has priority over justice for the victims. Jokowi should change this. He can start by delivering on his commitment toward accountability and appropriately punish those determined to derail them.

Source: https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/09/18/indonesias-dangerous-anti-communist-paranoia

Democratic emergency? Hard-liners, communism and the attack on LBH

Indonesia at Melbourne - September 18, 2017

Nurkholis Hidayat – The past two days have seen paranoia about communism result in unprecedented attacks on one of the oldest and most influential civil society organisations in Indonesia, the Legal Aid Foundation (LBH).

The drama began on 16 September, when police broke up an academic discussion on the 1965-1966 violence at the offices of the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Jakarta) and its national umbrella body, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI). Protesters gathered outside, demanding that the event be cancelled.

The police caved in and said that LBH did not hold the correct permit, even though permits are not required by law for gatherings in a private space like the LBH office. Police prevented elderly victims of the 1965 massacre from entering the building, and later forced their way inside, tearing down a banner for the discussion.

The following day, LBH planned an artistic event as a show of resistance. But rumours spread on social media that LBH was holding a congress of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

Despite police trying to convince the masses that it was simply an artistic event, the protesters refused to believe them and tried to enter the building. With the national media watching, police were forced to hold the protesters off, but LBH activists remained trapped inside. We were evacuated to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and were finally able to return to our homes at 5:30am this morning.

Attacks on and disbandment of discussions on 1965 are nothing new – similar incidents occur almost every year in cities across Indonesia. Police have also set upon the LBH office on several previous occasions. Police were involved in a violent clash at the LBH Jakarta office when I served as chair.

But the events of the past two days represent a deeply troubling new low. Never before has a discussion – on any theme – at LBH been broken up by state authorities. Even when a group of activists declared the formation of the People's Democratic Party (PRD) at the LBH office, the authoritarian Soeharto regime allowed it to occur (even if dozens of intelligence officials were there to keep watch).

Protests against LBH are not the problem. LBH and its partners in civil society are firmly committed to freedom of expression – if any organisation wants to protest about LBH or its activities they are more than welcome. But when police fail to protect the rights of citizens to gather and hold a discussion, and instead yield to the demands of demonstrators, then we have a problem. In doing so, police are ignoring their responsibilities and violating the Constitution.

Why would Indonesian National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian, an ally of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, agree to disband the discussion based on pressure from an angry mob and a few retired national figures known to be vocal critics of the president, such as Kivlan Zen?

After all, Tito has shown on many occasions that he is not afraid to pursue government opponents, arresting key agitators in the protests against former Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama under charges of treason, naming Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab a suspect for pornography, and recently uncovering the Saracen "fake news syndicate".

Tito admitted to some activists that police faced a dilemma in dealing with the demonstrators, especially when they had the backing of retired military officials, such as Kivlan and his associates. This may be true, but it is important to recognise that police share some goals with those that called for the discussion to be disbanded.

Accusations of communism are a convenient tool to smother and pressure civil society. Despite nearly 20 years of democracy, there are many elements within the police deeply hostile to criticism from civil society, viewing the civil society movement as a 'threat' to the state and themselves. While Tito has shown a willingness to partner with civil society in the past, his apparent lack of ability to control the actions of police raises questions about the motives behind his behaviour.

Neo-New Order?

But was the disbandment of the discussion on Saturday in line with the wishes of the ruling regime? It is possible. Jokowi is in a difficult position, but in many ways he brought it on himself. Jokowi has allowed conservative figures such as Wiranto, Ryamizard Ryacudu, and new faces such as Gatot Nurmantyo back into the ruling regime. Many appear to take some delight in whipping up paranoia about the rise of communism.

Seemingly tired of being accused of connections to communism himself, in May, Jokowi called for communism to be crushed if it rose again. This basically endorsed the violent behaviour seen over the past two days. It is true that if Jokowi defended LBH he would likely again be accused of backing communism. But the lack of any statement from Jokowi over the past two days, and following previous similar incidents certainly gives the impression – whether intentional or not – that the government condones the action of protesters.

Jokowi seems willing to take another hit from his critics in civil society and contribute further to the shrinking freedom of expression rather than stand up to Islamic vigilantes and conservative military figures.

While Jokowi has his share of enemies in the House of Representatives (DPR), civil society has not been blindly supportive of government policy either. Human rights and anti-corruption activists have been highly critical of Jokowi, and have not bitten their tongues, despite backing him in 2014. While their numbers might not be as great as Jokowi's Islamist opponents, human rights activists have been especially critical of Jokowi. And they have much more varied list of complaints, rather than simply accusing him of being anti-Islam.

The Presidential Palace has come under fire for its lack of action on resolving the murder of rights activist Munir Said Thalib, the criminalisation of activists, support for the reclamation project in Jakarta Bay, evictions of poor urban residents in Jakarta, failing to stop the Rembang cement factory from going ahead, ongoing repression of freedom of expression and association in Papua, extrajudicial killings of drug suspects, and most recently, the controversial Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) on Mass Organisations that will allow the government to ban civil society groups without going through the courts. The government appears increasingly sensitive to this kind of criticism.

In light of these developments it is not surprising that LBH and other civil society activists are beginning to sound the alarm about a democratic emergency in Indonesia.

As democracy activists say, the more authoritarian a regime becomes, the quicker it digs its own grave.

[Nurkholis Hidayat is an Indonesian human rights lawyer and previously served as a director of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta), and national advisor for legal aid and criminal justice for the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice (AIPJ). He holds a master of laws from the University of Melbourne.]

Source: http://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/democratic-emergency-hard-liners-communism-and-the-attack-on-lbh/

Indonesia News Digest 35 – September 15-21, 2017

West Papuan independence founder dies

Radio New Zealand International - September 18, 2017

West Papuan liberation movement focused on UN plans

Radio New Zealand International - September 18, 2017

Transcript

Papua NU chairman: Papua is part of NKRI and is undisputed

Netral News - September 15, 2017

Komodo naval exercise to be held in Lombok next year

Jakarta Post - September 15, 2017

TNI chief challenged to screen Jagal and Senyap, not just anti

Viva - September 20, 2017

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Panglima TNI Diminta Putar juga Film 'Jagal' dan 'Senyap'".]

Jokowi should uphold justice for 1965 victims: HRW

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

People are delusional about PKI: Law and human rights minister

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Police name 7 suspects in connection to violent anti-communism

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Hard-line general admits meeting with anti-communist protesters

Tempo - September 19, 2017

Notes

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Kivlan Zen Akui Bertemu Rahmat Imran Menjelang Pengepungan YLBHI".]

Mob insisted on attacking YLBHI: Police

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Women, elderly suffering the most from repression: Komnas Perempuan

Jakarta Post - September 19, 2017

Who was behind the attack on the on the YLBHI offices

Tirto.id – September 19, 2017

Related Tirto articles:

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Rapat sebelum mennyerbu gedung YLBHI".]

Rights group says new film on 1965 needed but one that is

Kompas.com - September 19, 2017

Notes

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Sineas Didorong Garap Film Peristiwa 1965 yang Lebih Akurat".]

Probe urged into police's move to break up LBH discussion

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Jakarta Police apprehend 22 following siege of YLBHI

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Government advised to resolve 1965 case after mob attack on YLBHI

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Lawmakers want discussion on 1965 purge banned

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

'Fake PKI news' behind anti-communist chaos: LBH-YLBHI

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

Fake news about communism in Indonesia blamed for triggering riot

Sydney Morning Herald - September 18, 2017

Anti-communists besiege, attack office of YLBHI

Jakarta Post - September 18, 2017

LBH accuses hard-line general, anti-Ahok protest organiser of being

Detik News - September 18, 2017

Notes

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "LBH Tuding Kivlan Zen Terlibat dalam Aksi Pengepungan Kantor".]

Jokowi wants new G30S-PKI film made so millennials can 'understand

Detik News - September 18, 2017

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Jokowi Minta Dibuat Film G30S/PKI untuk Milenial".]

Hard-line general calls for YLBHI to be closed down for 'spreading

CNN Indonesia - September 18, 2017

Notes

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Kivlan Zen Usul Pembubaran LBH Jakarta".]

YLBHI says attack on their offices linked to Jokowi's call to

Detik News - September 18, 2017

Notes

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "LBH Kaitkan Pengepungan dengan Seruan Jokowi 'Gebuk PKI'".]

Anti-communist issue being used to divide people, create political

Kompas.com - September 18, 2017

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Setara: Isu PKI Digunakan Untuk Memecahbelah dan Untungkan Pihak Tertentu".]

Islamic party PKS supports army's efforts to strengthen public

RMOL - September 17, 2017

Notes

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Fraksi PKS Gelar Nobar Film G30S/PKI".]

Army to hold screenings of PKI movie

Jakarta Post - September 17, 2017

Army worried official narrative on 1965 affair no longer dominant:

Tempo - September 16, 2017

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "TNI AD Akan Gelar Nonton Bareng Film G 30 S PKI, Ini Kata Aktivis".]

Rights watchdog says seminar closure makes Widodo's commitment to

Kompas.com - September 16, 2017

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Amnesti Internasional Kecam Pembubaran Seminar Sejarah 1965".]

Police close down seminar on 1965 anti-communist purge after