UII Pays Tribute to Human Rights Activist Munir’s Struggle

Yogyakarta—Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) held a review talk show of the book “Mencintai Munir” (Loving Munir). The public event took place at the Prof. Dr. Sardjito Auditorium in UII’s Main Campus on Tuesday, 8 August 2023. The talk show was held as tribute to the late Munir Said Thalib, an Indonesian human rights activist who was known for his persistent and courageous struggle to uphold justice. Sadly, his fight had to end tragically in 2004.

Attended by the university’s leadership, the event invited Munir’s daughter Diva Suukyi Larasati and wife Suciwati, who is also author of the book. Ita Fatia Nadia, chairwoman of the Indonesian Women’s Archive and History Space (RUAS) and Board Member of Amnesty International Indonesia, and UII’s Faculty of Law Lecturer M. Busyro Muqoddas became panelists in the event. Meanwhile, Director of UII’s Center for Law and Human Rights Studies (PUSHAM UII), Eko Riyadi, S.H., M.H., served as moderator.

UII Rector Prof. Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D, expressed in his opening remarks hopes that the talk show could inspire the audience to look up to the late Munir Said Thalib, who he said was never afraid to fight for the rights and justice of the people of this nation.

“Munir fought for the rights of the voiceless people. He is a voice for the voiceless and hope for the oppressed. His spirit inspires, and his extraordinary dedication and courage in speaking the truth are an example for us all,” Prof. Fathul said.

The rector called on the attendees to play their respective roles in continuing the struggle and vision of Munir to achieve a world that is more just and equal, and respects humans and human values.

“Honorable guests, let us take a lesson from Munir’s courage to keep speaking, to keep defending the truth even though it is not always easy and not without risks,” he said. “We must also learn to be a voice for the unheard, a hand for the undefended, and hope for the marginalized.”

The rector then handed over two paintings to the wife and daughter of the late Munir Said Thalib. One of the paintings was the rector’s own work.

The event went on to the discussion about the late human rights activist from the perspectives of closest relatives and fellow legal expert figures. The discussion was meant to interpret Munir’s struggle from various angles as well as to understand the deep meaning of the book “Mencintai Munir” from the perspective of Ita Fatia Nadia and wife of the late Munir, Suciwati.

“Let’s learn from the state’s murder of the late Munir,” Busyro Muqoddas said.

“But, other than that, we also must make a correction. Lest we prepare ourselves not to be killed in our idealism by being lured with pleasures like seats [positions], as commissioners, expert staffs, special staff,” he added. “There are lots of them and there will be more and more. Today, we see the independence of many national congresses from a number of organizations, even the Criminal Code, has begun to be compromised. (VIP Magazine Vol 10)