Suharto's long shadow - Indonesia struggles with its past | DW Documentary

The Indonesian Upheaval of 1998: A Legacy of Violence, Trauma, and Unfinished Justice

Key Concepts:

• Order Baru (New Order): The authoritarian regime of President Suharto, lasting for 32 years.
• Reformasi (Reformation): The period of democratic transition following Suharto’s resignation.
• Kamisan (Thursday Movement): A weekly protest led by Sumasi, demanding justice for the victims of the 1998 violence.
• Sangi/Trisakti Shootings: Violent crackdowns on student protestors by police and military forces.
• Scapegoating: The targeting of ethnic Chinese Indonesians as a cause for the economic crisis.
• Impunity: The failure to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable.

I. The Context: Economic Crisis and Political Repression

The year 1998 marked a pivotal moment in Indonesian history, characterized by a severe economic crisis and widespread political unrest. This upheaval stemmed from decades of authoritarian rule under President Suharto’s “New Order” regime. Students, fueled by demands for human rights, democracy, and an end to the dictatorship, spearheaded protests across major cities including Jakarta, Medan, Surakarta, and Yogyakarta. The military, a key pillar of the Suharto regime, was perceived as a symbol of oppression and violence. The situation escalated dramatically on May 12th, 1998, when armed forces opened fire on students at Trisakti University in Jakarta, resulting in the deaths of four students. This event proved to be a catalyst, ultimately leading to Suharto’s resignation on May 21st, ending his 32-year rule.

II. Personal Stories of Loss and Trauma

The documentary centers around three interwoven narratives illustrating the profound impact of the 1998 events on individual lives.

• Maria Katarina Sumasi: Her son, Bernardino Realino Norma Mawan (Wawan), a 20-year-old student, was shot during the Sangi shootings. She meticulously preserves his last shirt, bearing a bullet hole that pierced his heart and lungs, as a constant reminder of her loss. Sumasi founded the “Kamisan” (Thursday Movement), a weekly vigil demanding a thorough investigation into the events of 1998 and accountability for those responsible, including current President Prabowo Subianto. She states, “For me, these young people are the generation that will one day lead this nation and country.”
• Vishnu Jano: An academic and former student at the University of Indonesia, Vishnu experienced a personal dilemma during the protests. His father, Jono Sudarono, was Environment Minister under Suharto, appointed amidst the unrest. Vishnu reflects on the need for dialogue between students and the government, stating, “My friends and I believed the best thing was for students in the government…to sit down and have an honest, heart-to-heart conversation about the nation’s future.” He now dedicates his career to researching and freely expressing his opinions on this period.
• Widystuti and Sumatono Hadinoto: This ethnic Chinese family experienced targeted violence and discrimination during the May 1998 riots. Their home was stormed by a mob, forcing them to escape through a small hole in the wall. They hid for ten days, facing food shortages and immense fear. Widystuti’s father, Sumatono, emphasizes the dehumanizing treatment experienced by victims, noting his daughter required psychiatric treatment and medication following the trauma. He now supports an organization providing aid to the Chinese Indonesian community.

III. The May 1998 Riots: Targeting of Ethnic Chinese Indonesians

The documentary highlights the particularly brutal targeting of ethnic Chinese Indonesians during the May 1998 riots in Jakarta, Medan, and Surakarta. Fueled by scapegoating and resentment over perceived economic privilege, Chinese-owned shops were looted and burned, and women were subjected to widespread sexual violence, including mass rape. Estimates suggest at least 85 documented cases of sexual crimes. The family of Widystuti vividly recounts their experience of being forced to flee their home and hiding for days, highlighting the psychological toll of the violence. The documentary underscores the lasting trauma experienced by this community and the lack of official reconciliation.

IV. The Aftermath: Impunity and the Pursuit of Justice

Despite the fall of Suharto and the introduction of initial democratic reforms under BJ Habibi, the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 1998 violence has been largely stalled. There have been no official apologies or legal investigations into the Sangi or Trisakti tragedies. Current President Prabowo Subianto, a senior military figure during the Suharto era, has also faced accusations of human rights abuses and has not accepted responsibility. Sumasi’s “Kamisan” movement continues to demand accountability, even from those no longer in office, such as Suharto’s predecessor, Jookoi.

V. Data and Statistics

• Estimated Death Toll: Approximately 1,000 (though reliable figures are lacking).
• Documented Sexual Crimes: At least 85, primarily against ethnic Chinese women.
• Duration of Suharto’s Rule: 32 years.
• Number of Students Killed at Trisakti University: 4.
• Number of People Killed in Sangi Shootings: 17.

VI. A Continuing Legacy and Hope for the Future

The documentary concludes by emphasizing the enduring impact of 1998 on Indonesian society. Sumasi’s commitment to the “Kamisan” movement, and the participation of young people born after 1998, demonstrate a continued desire for justice and democratic reform. The parents of Widystuti encourage integration and engagement with society, advocating for a future where such violence is not repeated. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of confronting past injustices to build a more equitable and just future.