More than two decades after the fall of the Soeharto regime, the transitional justice agenda in Indonesia is still fraught with difficulties. Despite the promises of the Reformasi, there remains a lack of political will to address past human rights violations, including the anti-communist violence in 1965-1966. In this panel, we invite a sub-group of victims—those forced into exile as a result of their supposed affiliation with the Indonesian Left—to present their views, concerns and hopes for continued advocacy.

The panel will first focus on the exiles’ interpretations of what happened in 1965-1966. Then we will explore concerns around an official apology, why it is central to victims’ demands, and why it matters for the ongoing efforts to achieve truth and justice. In light of the Indonesian state’s persistent failure to admit past mistakes, and take responsibility, it is likely that this fight will become intergenerational, therefore the panel also invites the second and third generations to come forward and share their visions for future initiatives. The panel will also reflect on important milestones relating to transitional justice in Indonesia within the past ten years, including the International People's Tribunal (IPT) 1965, held in The Hague in 2015.

About the speakers

The panel will feature some of the remaining exiles, including Mr. Sungkono, current chair of the exile association, Perhimpunan Persaudaraan, and Ms. Aminah, from Stichting Dian. Ms. Tatiana Lukman will also join as panelist. Dr. Ratna Saptari will moderate.