Editorial photo #10922098 Social Issue
The 17th Anniversary Of The Aksi Kamisan (Thursdays Protest)
People are holding black umbrellas during the Aksi Kamisan, or Thursday's Protest, in front of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on January 18, 2024. The Kamisan, which means Thursday, is a peaceful demonstration that has been taking place every Thursday since January 18, 2007. Families of victims of atrocities committed around the time of Suharto's fall in 1998 gather here. The protest unites individuals connected to various human rights violations, including the mass crimes of 1965-1966, the enforced disappearance of activists in 1997-1998, and more recent cases like the assassination of activist Munir Said Thalib in 2004. Kamisan has become a symbol of the national struggle against past and present impunity, with significant youth participation. Human rights organizations and victims' relatives are wearing black clothes, carrying photos of the victims, and holding black umbrellas, which may bear slogans. The umbrellas symbolize protection and the strength of faith, as well as shelter from the elements. This regular protest also occurs in other parts of the country. While initially a silent protest, Kamisan now includes the reading of declarations, music, and other cultural activities. Each gathering ends with a letter delivered to the President and a prayer. (Photo by Afriadi Hikmal/NurPhoto)
