Aksi Kamisan (Thursday Action): A Long Struggle for Justice
A. Suprayoghi
Communications Consultant with Expertise in Strategy and Analytics [ let's connect!! ]
A Long Struggle
Thursday Action, a peaceful protest held every Thursday in front of the State Palace, has become a symbol of the long struggle of Indonesian civil society to demand justice and respect for human rights. Since its inception in 2000, this action has served as a forum for victims of human rights abuses, their families, and activists to voice their demands.
History and Objectives
Born in response to various cases of gross human rights violations, such as the 1965 events, the kidnapping of activists in 1998, and other tragedies, Thursday Action aims to:
Inspiring Stories
Behind the white banners and hopeful faces, there are inspiring life stories. Ibu Sumarsih, the mother of Bernardinus Realino Norma Irawan, or Wawan who was shot during the Trisakti demonstration, is one of the most iconic figures. Her perseverance in demanding justice for her son has inspired many people.
In addition to Ibu Sumarsih, many victims of the 1998 kidnappings and families of victims of the 1965 events consistently participate in Thursday Action. They continue to search for their missing family members and demand recognition of the events.
The Role of NGOs in Supporting Thursday Action
Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played an important role in supporting and overseeing Thursday's Action. These NGOs not only provide logistical assistance but also play a role in advocacy, legal assistance, and mobilizing international support. Some NGOs that consistently support Thursday Action include:
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These NGOs play a vital role in documenting human rights violations, providing legal assistance to victims, and advocating at the national and international levels.
Challenges and Hopes
Over the years, Thursday Action has faced various challenges, such as government indifference, pressure and intimidation, and activist fatigue. However, the spirit to continue fighting for justice never fades.
Thursday Action has had a significant impact, including raising public awareness of the importance of human rights and pressuring the government to take human rights cases more seriously.
The Future of Thursday Action
Thursday Action continues to this day, demonstrating the unwavering spirit of its activists. The existence of this action is proof that the struggle for justice and human rights in Indonesia is far from over.
Conclusion
Thursday Action is a milestone in the struggle for human rights in Indonesia. This peaceful action has become a symbol of the courage and determination of civil society in demanding justice. With the support of various parties, including NGOs, it is hoped that Thursday Action can continue and bring positive change to Indonesia.(tole)