Indonesia: Post-May Day Update and Call for International Solidarity

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Palang Hitam / Anarchist Black Cross Indonesia has temporarily ceased activity due to problems with a former member who misused international donations. At present there is no anarchist organization supporting those facing repression, so support is being provided spontaneously and individually. Here is an update about the situation in several cities.

In Bandung, there was a peaceful action by a group of anarchists almost 1000 strong. It even consisted of mothers, children and teenage girls. Police attacked them and broke the bloc into two groups. They were then chased, beaten and arrested. The pretext for this was ‘vandalism’, some spray-painted graffiti. Many of those who were arrested were stripped and had their heads shaved. Some were spray-painted on their faces and bodies as well. Many were forced to crawl along the road in their underwear. In total 619 anarchists were arrested, of these, 3 still remain in custody for destruction of property.

Video: Footage of the almost 1000 strong Anarchist Black Bloc at May Day 2019 in Bandung.

Video: Footage of Anarchists singing the Indonesian song ‘Buruh Tani’ (‘Farm Workers’) during the May Day 2019 demonstrations in Bandung.

Video: West Papuan students in Yogyakarta expressing their solidarity with the 619 arrested anarchists in Bandung. The students also faced severe repression from Indonesian authorities during May Day 2019 demonstrations.

In Jakarta, there were small clashes between anarchists and police who were blocking the road. Anarchists attacked a police blockade so that a huge group of trade union members could continue their journey to a gathering point where thousands of people were assembled. An anarcho-syndicalist union in Jakarta is now being targeted by the police.

In Malang, one person was forcibly arrested without a warrant, but they were released later.

In Makassar, the number of arrests increased from 9 to 21, they are all facing charges related to destruction of property. Makassar was totally paralyzed by police sweeps looking for anarchists.

In Surabaya, there were two different May Day actions by anarchist groups. The first action was carried out by a group working with leftist organizations. Three people were arrested but they have been released. The second action was carried out by anarcho-syndicalists and individualist anarchists, they were beaten by the police.

So now many comrades are on the run because we have learned that ‘mapping’ of Indonesian anarchist networks is being carried out by the police.

Right now we would appreciate international solidarity in the form of actions and also financial support. We will make sure that the mistakes made by Indonesia ABC won’t be repeated. If people are able to provide financial assistance please send it to the paypal below. We will use it for legal fees and to help support our friends who are in hiding because they are being targeted by police.

https://www.paypal.me/adnandi

Catut Anarchist Library

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