Kamisan
Kamisan, derived from the word "Kamis" (Thursday), is a peaceful demonstration that has taken place every Thursday since January 18, 2007, in front of the Presidential Palace.
Families of victims of violence that occurred before, during, and after the fall of Soeharto in 1998 gather there.
The protest brought together people associated with various cases of human rights abuses, including the mass crimes of 1965-1966, the forced disappearances of human rights activists of 1997-1998, and recent cases such as the 2004 murder of activist Munir Said Thalib.
Today, Kamisan has become a symbol of the national struggle against the impunity of the past and present, with the strong participation of young people.
Kamisan was originally a silent protest, but now it also includes the reading of the declaration, music, and other cultural performances. These regular protests also take place in various other areas of Indonesia.
Human rights organizations and victims' families wore black clothing, carried photographs of victims, and held black umbrellas that may have slogans inscribed.
Such umbrellas not only serve to protect from the scorching sun and rain, but also symbolize protection and the power of faith.
Each meeting concluded with the delivery of a letter addressed to the President and a prayer.
SBS Indoneisan talked about “Kamisan” with Jane Rosalina, a human rights activist who currently serves as Head of the Impunity Monitoring Division at KONTRAS.
