JAKARTA - On December 7, 2011, a 22-year-old Bung Karno University student named Sondang Hutagalung set himself on fire in front of the Presidential Palace, Jakarta. Sondang demanded justice before he breathed his last on December 10, 2011 due to burns.
Before setting himself on fire, Sondang left his cell phone, wallet, and identity card with his partner. The reason for Sondang's self-immolation was allegedly due to a deep sense of disappointment at the injustice and poverty that afflicted the Indonesian people.
"Cursed for justice. Cursed for indifference. Cursed for poverty. Strongest for pain and sorrow. Cursed for evil rulers. Cursed for criminals after I feel no more."
The message was written by Sondang in his girlfriend's diary, Putri. The book was brought by Sondang and then entrusted to Putri's relatives.
According to the BBC, Sondang's body was then buried in the UBK hall on Sunday, December 11, 2011 morning. The Vice Chancellor III of Bung Karno University, Daniel Panda, represented the Chancellor and awarded Sondang an Honorary Bachelor's degree.
"He has completed eight semesters of study and only has to finish the thesis trial process, so he deserves this title," said Daniel.
After being buried, Sondang's body was buried in Pondok Kelapa TPU. The funeral was accompanied by university leaders, fellow students, democracy activists and dozens of journalists.
"His extraordinary sacrifice should receive attention from the government so that his life is not lost in vain," added Daniel.
The news of Sondang's death was known by the then President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). SBY sent the then Minister of Transportation, EE Mangindaan, to express his condolences.
"In this regard, the President will ask Pak Mangindaan to convey the President's sadness to the families of the victims. This is unfortunate," said presidential spokesman at the time, Julian Aldrin Pasha, quoting Detik.
On December 14, 2011, dozens of Bung Karno University students held a demonstration on Jalan Raya Diponegoro, Central Jakarta. They closed part of Jalan Dipenogoro to hold a follow-up action in solidarity with Sondang's self-immolation.
In the action, the students demanded that the government resolve cases of human rights, corruption, and poverty alleviation. "This is an act of solidarity that continues Sondang's struggle."
"In addition to solidarity actions, we also demand that cases of human rights and corruption as well as the welfare of the people in Indonesia are immediately carried out by the government," said protest spokesperson, Ketty Dasion, citing Liputan 6.
Who is Sondang Hutagalung
Sondang is a student of the Faculty of Law at Bung Karno University. Sondang is known to be very active in participating in various demonstrations.
At that time, Sondang was trusted to be the Chair of the Marhaenism Student Action Association for the Indonesian People (Hammurabi). The organization is active in the activity of 'Friends of Munir.'
"Incidentally, the activist group is part of Sahabat Munir," said Kontras Division staff Christianboro, quoting Tempo on December 9, 2011.
Many know Sondang as an activist who is involved in various advocacy efforts for human rights violations. Sondang also has a unique personality, able to make the atmosphere of the demonstration more lively with his creative ideas.
Together with his colleagues, Sondang held an action to commemorate the late Munir. At that time, the demonstration was held theatrically with Sondang playing Munir's killer.
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