The Student Alliance of the Kamisan Action Group from Nusa Putra University reflected on human rights violation cases.
These students reflected on human rights violations such as the kidnapping and forced disappearance of activists that occurred between 1997 and 1998, at Jalan Raya Cibolang, Sukabumi Regency.
They discussed cases from the New Order era, propagated through the media, and distributed leaflets detailing the history of the 1998 kidnapping victims at UNP.
Field Coordinator of Nusaputra Student Alliance, Arsal Ardiana Yusuf, informed Radar Sukabumi about 1997-1998 incidents.
At that time, there were two major political agendas. The 1997 general election and the MPR Special Session in 1998 determined the president at that time, Soeharto, in this case.
“The cases of kidnapping and forced disappearances affected activists, youth, and students who sought to uphold justice and democracy during the New Order government,” Arsal said to Radar Sukabumi on Thursday (11/01).
Authorities considered individuals critical of government policies as groups that endangered and undermined the state’s authority. They perceived their ideas and thoughts as threats capable of hindering government operations.
“For this reason, we are conducting this activity. Reflecting to inform the public about New Order-era kidnappings in 1997-1998, with 13 individuals still missing.
Arsal emphasized that such reflection was crucial because it had implications for national issues. Therefore, the public needed to understand the country’s development.
Due to this reason, the 801st Kamisan action was not limited to the Nusa Putra University campus. Instead, it extended to 11 other campuses in Sukabumi.
Included were UMMI, Sukabumi Polytechnic, STH Pasundan, Stisip Syamsul Ulum, IAIS, and others.
“The feedback from the community itself is very good because it can be new information and can inspire enthusiasm to learn about that information,” he said.
“Yes, those who were kidnapped were activists who wanted to uphold justice and democracy at that time. They were people who were critical of government policies,” he concluded.
