Big crowds for Indonesian democracy film

March 26, 1997
Issue 

Big crowds around the country attended debut screenings of There is only one word — Resist!, a documentary about the underground resistance to the Suharto dictatorship. The film made was in secret by community television director Jill Hickson in collaboration with members of the banned People's Democratic Party (PRD). It features footage smuggled out of prisons, comments by supporters of opposition leader Megawati Sukarnoputri and an interview with novelist Pramoedya Ananta Toer.

The film premiered in Canberra on March 17 with special screening at Parliament House. Thirty people attended, including Greens Senator Bob Brown and ALP MP Laurie Ferguson. The screening was hosted by Labor Senator Margaret Reynolds from Parliamentarians for Democracy in Indonesia. Diplomats from the Portuguese embassy also attended.

Reynolds said that the video would help to educate parliamentarians about the struggle for democracy in Indonesia. Many parliamentarians have been closely watching the pro-democracy struggle since the crackdown last July, she said.

Reynolds is circulating a letter of protest from members of parliament to President Suharto about the illegal arrests and detention of democracy activists. Bob Brown and Democrat Senator Vicky Bourne also pledged support for the Indonesian pro-democracy solidarity campaign.

Jill Hickson, director of the film and an activist in Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET), described how meeting and interviewing underground democracy activists gave her an insight into the real situation confronting Indonesians. She was surprised to find that, despite the government crackdown, the PRD is expanding rapidly.

Nico Warouw, international representative of the PRD, said that the call to boycott the undemocratic May 29 national elections was gaining support from broad democratic forces in Indonesia, including the Indonesian Democratic Party and sections of the legal Islamic party, the United Development Party.

More than 60 people attended a second Canberra screening at the National Sound and Film Archives on March 21. The film was enthusiastically received and was followed by a spirited discussion about Indonesia's progressive groups.

In Adelaide on March 20, 40 people attended a screening at the CPSU/PSA building. Jon Lamb from ASIET introduced the film. He said that while the activists of the People's Democratic Party face an extremely difficult situation, their morale is high because of support from within Indonesia and solidarity from groups like ASIET in Australia. Support is growing in many other parts of the world, he added.

Melanie Sjoberg from the Dita Sari Network, women trade unionists organising solidarity with the jailed trade union leader Dita Sari and her comrades, stressed the need for unionists to campaign for workers' rights and democracy in Indonesia.

Anthony Benbow reports from Perth that 125 people crammed into the social science lecture room at UWA to see the documentary on March 21. ASIET WA coordinator Anne O'Callaghan introduced the documentary.

In Sydney, an overflow audience of 250 people packed the Third Eye Cinema in Surry Hills. Patrons heard Jill Hickson describe how activists of the PRD courageously entered the prison where Dita Sari is held to film an interview with her and her comrades. Nico Warouw urged all present to join ASIET and build the solidarity movement.

More that 180 people attended the premiere of Resist at Melbourne's State Film Centre on March 21. They were addressed by Max Lane, national coordinator of ASIET.

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.