Support Humanity Fund for Peace and Justice

As Eid al-Fitr 1445 H approaches, Indonesia for Humanity (IKa), under the Pundi Insani program, initiated a donation drive from March 19 to April 2, 2024. The campaign, aimed to support elderly survivors of gross violation on human rights, happened in Indonesia during 1965/1966. Pundi Insani serves as a fundraising platform dedicated to the recovery and empowerment of victims of human rights violations. It also supports human rights defenders, ensuring they can live in safe, healthy, and decent conditions, including during emergencies.

This year, IKa collaborated with the victim  community in The City in East Java. Layar Kumendung, an art community founded by survivors of human rights abuse together with individuals from diverse backgrounds, promotes humanity through the preservation of traditional arts.

Mr. ST, head of Layar Kumendung and an ardent advocate for Banyuwangi arts, coordinated the distribution of Eid gifts. Despite facing stigma from the authoritarian regime of new order, Mr. ST remains dedicated to promoting art culture through his dance creation and art studio.

Distribution of Eid Gifts

Eid gifts were distributed to 26 elderly survivors in 4 cities in East Java through two methods:

1. Gathering recipients at his studio or home.
2. Delivering gifts directly to the recipients' homes.

This approach strengthened solidarity among survivors of gross violation of human rights. The distribution began on April 7, 2024, and was met with gratitude and joy from the recipients.

"Thank you, may the donors be blessed with sustenance and health. We are grateful for the care given to us. The amount does not matter," said Mr. ST, expressing the recipients' collective gratitude.

Cultural and Artistic Preservation

Many survivors remain active in the arts but are concerned about the lack of documentation for their work. They preserve their memories by telling stories and teaching traditional arts of the area, including dance and musical instruments like the angklung.

Mr. ST emphasized the need for support in documenting the artistic works of Layar Kumendung to preserve the nation's history and safeguard traditional cultural heritage as he and the other artist is getting old

Conclusion

The campaign successfully brought joy and support to elderly human rights survivors as an inclusive campaign. It also highlighted the importance of preserving and documenting local cultural heritage as  one mechanism of the healing process for victims of violences. The gratitude expressed by the recipients underscores the positive impact of the initiative.

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