he families of human rights violation victims grouped under the Solidarity Network of Victims for Justice (JSKK) commenced silent protests every Thursday in front of the State Palace in Jakarta on Jan. 18, 2007, and after 10 years the network has expanded its efforts with the 10th anniversary of the weekly protests being observed in five cities on Jan.19.
Called Kamisan for Kamis or Thursday, the protests are known for their silence, black attire and black umbrellas.
In 10 years the protests have survived two administrations, that of president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, but their demand, to end impunity, has been largely unheard by the government.
Among the victims and activists who have been dedicated to showing up nearly every Thursday, 476 times since the start of the protests, in Jakarta are victims of violence during the turmoil in 1996 to 1998. The silent protests take a week off when Thursday falls on a national holiday.
In Jakarta, a commemoration and the 477th Kamisan will be held at the usual spot, in the State Palace vicinity in Central Jakarta at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (evi)
Schedule for other cities:
Bandung
174th Kamisan
Gedung Sate yard
Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.
Malang
20th Kamisan
In front of Malang City Hall
Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Yogyakarta
126th Kamisan
Tugu Jogja
Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.
Surabaya
20th Kamisan
Apsari Park across Grahadi
Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.
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