Justice is what Munir Said Thalib fought for throughout his life, even as it cost him his life. It is clear however, that Munir’s legacy of courage and passion for truth remains through the generations of activists that came after him. 

Daniel Alexander Siagian, executive director at the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Surabaya Pos Malang, a foundation chaired by Munir in its early establishment, suggests that Munir set an example by helping individuals regardless of their background.  

“It was his [Munir’s] sense of humanity and justice that makes me idolize him, his spirit has helped regenerate and inspire other activists too,” the 24-year-old said. 

“He fought for a universal value, relatable to anyone regardless of background and age. He was persistent toward what he voiced,” Ali Nursahid, a 43-year-old activist from Pamulang, South Tangerang, Banten, said. Ali was previously active in the directorial program at the human rights museum, Museum HAM Omah Munir and was involved in the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) Jakarta. 

Ali said he respected Munir’s down-to-earth nature and his spirit as a student in the 1990s, inspiring other then-junior activists to voice their concerns. 

“His tragic death in the post New Order era remains unsolved, driving more young people to be aware of the country’s policy,” Ali added.

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