Breaking the Silence: Survivors speak about 1965-66 violence in Indonesia

Edited by former political prisoner Putu Oka Sukanta, this is a collection of accounts from people around the Indonesian archipelago who experienced the violence of 1965-1966. Fifteen witnesses - from the regions of Medan, Palu, Kendari, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Bali, Kupang, and Sabu Island - share their stories of how they navigated this horrifying period of Indonesian history and how they have lived with this past. The book is based on life history interviews with ordinary people - teachers, artists, women's activists, and policemen - whose lives were turned upside down when atrocious attacks and heinous killings occurred against those who were considered to be supporters of the Indonesian Communist Party. These accounts - including one from a perpetrator who is now tormented by guilt, and from survivors who still feel isolated and rejected by society - show how the violence continues to influence Indonesian society. The book will be a valuable resource for students of history, of Indonesia, and for people wanting to understand the impact of this shocking violence. (Series: Herb Feith Translation)