Indonesian activist Sumarsih lectures on 19-year fight for justice

Maria Katarina Sumarsih, a prominent activist, recently delivered a public lecture on the "Aksi Kamisan" (Thursday Action) movement at Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta. The event, themed "Kuliah Kenangan Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana," celebrated the legacy of Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana and advocated for his recognition as a national hero, while also highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice.

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But he was impeached.

Aksi Kamisan is a peaceful demonstration demanding thorough investigation into past human rights violations in Indonesia. Sumarsih, whose son Bernadinus Realino Norma Irmawan, known as Wawan, died during the Semanggi I tragedy on November 13, 1998, has been a key figure in this movement for 19 years. She conveyed deep disappointment with the government's consistent failure to seriously handle human rights cases since the reform era began.

Sumarsih specifically criticized former presidents, noting that only Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) showed commitment to uncovering human rights abuses before his impeachment. She recalled that B.J. Habibie did not fulfill his promise to investigate the 1998 Semanggi student shootings, and Megawati Soekarnoputri's presidency was also marked by inaction. She also pointed to the continued political careers of individuals accused of severe human rights violations, such as Prabowo Subianto, who founded the Gerindra Party despite being dismissed from the military for alleged involvement in activist abductions, and Wiranto, who continued in politics through the Hanura Party.

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Megawati did nothing. Moreover, in the 2009 election, she partnered with Prabowo Subianto as a presidential and vice-presidential candidate.

The activist's frustration extended to the presidencies of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), who made but did not keep promises to resolve past cases, and Joko Widodo (Jokowi), whose words she deemed untrustworthy despite campaign promises to address historical human rights issues. In a symbolic act of protest against President Prabowo Subianto's leadership, Aksi Kamisan stopped sending letters to the president after his inauguration in October 2024. Instead, they now distribute leaflets to journalists and participants during their actions.

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Jokowi is a president whose words cannot be trusted.