UCA News
Contribute

New film encourages Indonesia to deal with past rights abuses

Government must formally recognize massacres committed in the 1960s, groups say
New film encourages Indonesia to deal with past rights abuses

A still image from 'The Look of Silence"

Published: November 10, 2014 11:55 AM GMT
Updated: November 09, 2014 11:55 PM GMT

A new documentary by the award-winning director of “The Act of Killing” was shown at a private screening in Jakarta on Monday.

“The Look of Silence” by Denmark-based American director Joshua Oppenheimer tells the story of 1965 political massacres in Deli Serdang district, North Sumatra.

Speaking via Skype at the screening, Oppenheimer said he chose to focus on the events of 1965 because it was the year “when the regime of fear and silence [began], which was then embraced by all Indonesian people”.

Such incidents must be acknowledged, he said.

“We must support all efforts taken by the new Indonesian government in recognizing all tragedies that happened in the past. If we don’t, the old wounds won’t disappear and can never be healed,” he continued.

Alex Sihar of the Jakarta Arts Council said the film was screened to about 1,500 people who had to pre-register for the viewing.

The screening, though not a public event, was welcomed by Roichatul Aswidah, a commissioner at the National Commission on Human Rights.

“This film opens our eyes so that we can find the way of truth and then free ourselves from denial. It also encourages the government to recognize the mistakes they did in the past so that they won’t do that again in the future,” she said during the program.

According to Aswidah, a culture of impunity has grown in the country over the years.

“This is a big challenge. In 2015, there must be a formal recognition from the government” of the 1965 atrocities, she said.

Mukhlis PaEni, who heads the state-run Film Censorship Body (FCB), said the makers of the film “must ask for permission” if they want to show the film publicly in Indonesia.

“Don’t be afraid of censorship,” he said. “All films screened in Indonesia must be censored by FCB.”

Meanwhile, a survivor of the 1965 anti-communist purge, Bedjo Untung, thanked Oppenheimer for making the documentary.

“In Indonesia, we kept silent for 50 years,” he said. “This film makes the 1965 tragedy known by people.”

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia