M'sians leave roses, pay tribute to Indonesians killed in protests

Amid raging protests across major Indonesian cities, dozens gathered in Kuala Lumpur to show solidarity by laying red roses on a white cloth outside the Indonesian Embassy last night.

The white cloth bore the names of the seven killed in the protests, including Affan Kurniawan, a motorcycle taxi driver who died after being run over by a police vehicle on Thursday.

At the solidarity gathering in front of the Indonesian Embassy, about 50 Malaysians formed a circle and took turns laying roses and praying in front of a black-and-white portrait of Affan as police observed nearby.

Speeches followed the solemn ritual, led by youth groups under the banner of Mandiri, a youth-based NGO and the organiser of the vigil.

“We stress that Malaysia cannot be silent. Anwar Ibrahim, as Asean chairperson, must state a firm stand on this human rights issue in Indonesia,” said Mandiri spokesperson Wong Kueng Hui.

Wong also demanded the release of activists detained between Aug 25 and 31, during the first wave of unrest that spread from Jakarta to other provinces.

“Stop all forms of intimidation against activists and civil society in Indonesia! Sack and punish police personnel found to have caused Affan’s death… Solidarity with all Indonesians!” he said.

Among those Wong named was Lokataru director Delpedro Marhaen, who was reportedly accused of instigating “anarchist acts” during the protests.

‘Spirit of resistance transcends borders’

Bersih representative Asraf Sharafi said the show of solidarity was not confined to one nation.

“The world is now looking at Asean. The world is looking at Indonesia and Malaysia’s reaction.

“Today, we gather with youths who dare to show their leadership and declare that what has been done by the Indonesian government is wrong!” he said.

The rally site was also marked by a “Jolly Roger” pirate flag from the Japanese anime “One Piece”, which has been adopted by Indonesian protesters as an emblem of defiance.

A participant also recited a poem by Indonesian poet Widji Thukul, who disappeared in 1998 and is believed to have been abducted during protests against then-president Suharto.

The vigil ended with a rendition of “Buruh Tani”, a workers’ anthem long embraced by Malaysian activists, alongside calls for institutional reforms in both Indonesia and Malaysia.

Prabowo warns protesters

On Sunday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto denounced the protests, claiming some demonstrators’ actions amounted to “treason and terrorism”.

However, he also appeared to concede to public anger, saying Parliament had agreed to revoke certain allowances for lawmakers.

Media reports said protesters have issued 17 short-term demands with a Sept 5 deadline, as well as eight long-term demands to be met within a year.

The protests were sparked by enhanced perks for parliamentarians, which included housing allowances 10 times the Indonesian minimum wage. The demonstrations turned violent when police ran over Affan.

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