A weekly demonstration demanding accountability for past human rights abuses in Indonesia, known as Aksi Kamisan, is set to mark its 19th anniversary on January 18, 2026. Hundreds participated in the demonstration on Thursday, January 15, 2026, continuing a practice that began in 2007.
Aksi Kamisan Reaches 19-Year Milestone
The protesters gathered in front of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, calling on the government to address unresolved cases of serious human rights violations. Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia and a regular participant, affirmed the movement’s commitment to continue its efforts.
“Kamisan is a movement that has been going on for almost two decades, and we will never stop here,” Usman said, as broadcast on the Jakartanicus YouTube account. He urged fellow demonstrators to strengthen their resolve in the pursuit of justice, stating, “We will continue to move forward, and we will continue to fight for justice.”
Usman highlighted several unresolved cases, including the massacres and persecution of the communist community during the 1965 Tragedy, and the abductions and killings carried out by authorities during the 1998 Reform era.
He also criticized actions taken under the current administration of President Prabowo Subianto, specifically citing the use of political prisoners as scapegoats for riots in August 2025. Usman further condemned the denial of past human rights violations by members of Prabowo’s cabinet, naming Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, and Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, who have both claimed no serious human rights violations or mass rapes occurred in 1998.
Usman also voiced opposition to the conferral of hero status upon former President Soeharto, Prabowo’s former father-in-law, arguing that Soeharto was a dictator and should not be honored as a hero.
Aksi Kamisan is held every Thursday on Jalan Veteran, Central Jakarta, and will continue, according to Usman, “as long as injustice remains in Indonesia.” He concluded, “We will never stop fighting against injustice.”
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