"Activists from various organizations, including the Indonesi..."

#10922110

18 January 2024

Activists and families of victims of human rights violations, who are part of the Victims Solidarity Network for Justice (JSKK), are holding the Aksi Kamisan or Thursday 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, in front of the Presidential Palace. The families of victims of the atrocities committed around the fall of Suharto in 1998 are gathering there. The protest unites people connected to various human rights violations, including the mass crimes of 1965-1966, the enforced disappearance of activists in 1997-1998, and 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 relatives of the victims are wearing black clothes, holding photographs of the victims, and carrying black umbrellas that may bear slogans. The umbrellas symbolize protection and the strength of faith, as well as shelter from the elements. This regular protest is also occurring 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 the delivery of a letter to the President and a prayer.

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#10922098

18 January 2024

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.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.