By Osi Naya | Officer Communication
Christmas is a time to share kindness and compassion in meaningful ways. From Indonesia untuk Kemanusiaan (IKa), we extend our deepest gratitude to our generous donors for their unwavering support of Si Mbah Penyintas '65—the elderly survivors of the 1965 tragedy in Indonesia. Through their contributions, we were able to distribute 97 care packages and financial assistance to Si Mbah in Banyumas, Southeast Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, and East Nusa Tenggara.
Many of Si Mbah Penyintas '65, now in their twilight years, continue to bear the weight of state injustice that marked their youth. In Banyumas, they have formed a close-knit community called "Paguyuban 10 November" (The November 10th Gathering), where they meet monthly, taking turns hosting at one another’s homes or in coffee shops owned by their mentors. These gatherings serve as a therapeutic space, where they sing, dance, and share their stories—finding solace and strength in each other’s presence. To help meet their daily needs, the community also established a Koperasi Simpan-Pinjam (Savings and Loan Cooperative).
Our visit to Si Mbah during the Christmas season was deeply emotional. As we handed them the Christmas gifts, many recalled their painful past as if it had happened yesterday. Some spoke of the stigma that followed them for decades—the way their families were vilified, exiled from their communities, and denied access to education. Overwhelmed with emotion, some broke down in tears, unable to finish their stories.
One of the women, a Si Mbah who remains unmarried to this day, shared how the labels of the past robbed her of the life she once envisioned. Her former fiancé, like many others, refused to marry her, saying:
"You’re a communist, a criminal, from a dishonorable family. I want nothing to do with you or your kin."
Those words, etched into her memory, became a wound too deep to heal—a trauma that led her to a life of solitude.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, there were also moments of joy and gratitude. Si Mbah Sanjan, one of the survivors, expressed his astonishment and appreciation upon receiving the Christmas donation:
"Thank you, Indonesia untuk Kemanusiaan (IKa), and to all the donors who care for me. I never imagined that people would not only donate but also visit. Usually, the only ones who come to see us are the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). IKa, may your mission continue to thrive. It amazes me that the ones who have helped us are ordinary workers—people earning minimum wage—while the government, despite its wealth, has done so little."
As we celebrate the spirit of giving, IKa mourns the passing of one of the Si Mbah who received a Christmas gift, just weeks later, on January 21st. During our visit, he repeatedly expressed his shock and gratitude that we had come to see him. His words of thanks linger in our hearts, a solemn reminder of how much these small acts of care mean to those who have been forgotten for so long.
We know that no amount of aid can fully heal the wounds of Si Mbah’s past. But our commitment to humanity and justice will remain steadfast, ensuring that they continue to receive support, dignity, and recognition. With the continued generosity of donors, support from the GlobalGiving platform, and the collaboration of other partners, we will persist in standing by Si Mbah Penyintas '65.
As we reflect on this season of giving, let us carry forward the spirit of solidarity—extending our care not just at Christmas but across all moments of shared faith and humanity. May we never allow indifference to dim the light of Si Mbah’s resilience or let their struggle be forgotten.
Links:
By Osi Naya | Officer Communication
By Osi Naya | Officer Communication
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
