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.

Youth spirit

"For some individuals, voicing the truth can cost you your life. Many people choose to live up to that. As Munir did,” Yuliana M. Benu, from Kupang, said. 

Most junior activists, however, know Munir’s legacy through the internet or human-rights-related events like Kamisan, where activists have voiced their concerns through demonstrations in front of the State Palace almost every Thursday since 2007. 

The internet has indeed also helped keep Munir's legacy alive. A podcast called Omah Munir has gained 16,521 listeners since it started airing in 2020, with approximately 79 percent of its listeners coming from the 18-27 age group.

Yuliana was introduced to the world of activism in her university years in 2016. Today, she helps migrant and domestic workers who have experienced abuse from their employers. Though Munir passed away when Yuliana was just 11 years old, Yuliana – who also harbors dreams of becoming a preacher – said that Munir's courage was rare to find in other activists. 

"I'm not up to his level yet, but his passion to fight for marginalized groups is inspirational," shared the 29-year-old. Yuliana said that speaking up for migrant workers' rights required her to deal with powerful actors, and that when doing so she was reminded of Munir’s courage and determination in fighting those difficult battles. 

Meanwhile, Naila, a French language education graduate who has been actively involved in KontraS for the last two years, said she and others like her were inspired by Munir’s “real action” in the field. 

“I remember Ibu [Mother] Jumisih, a labor activist and part of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation, who said that Munir has educated a lot of laborers to understand and be aware of their rights. I think it’s one of the most meritorious things he has done,” the 23-year-old said, adding that Munir represented a clear sense of justice and humanity.  

Challenge for young activists

Naila said that continuing cases of intimidation and threats against human rights activists in Indonesia meant that younger activists should learn the best way to voice their concerns. Munir’s murder served as a clear reminder of this danger and a reason that younger activists often tried to operate in ways that keeps them safer than past activists, but without lessening their impact. 

"Munir's case serves as a reminder that everyone who acts against the country, state or anyone with power, could be ended," Naila emphasized. She added that many younger activists actively engaged in activism through NGOs or coalitions that support and provide a safer zone for them to operate from.

Daniel said that it was from Munir that he learned how to build a collective, critical awareness driven by values that inspire other young activists to join him. This was particularly important, he said, because in contemporary activism the strength lies in the idea of ​​​​a progressive collective spirit; not in individualism, particularism and apathy. 

Naila said that one of Munir's quotes stood out for her, that everyone who is born merdeka (free and independent) is entitled to their rights and dignity.

"It might be challenging to apply what he has done, but at the same time, it serves to motivate and remind us that we are entitled to, and what we want to voice and express in order to help others," Naila said.

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