May 1998 remains a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s journey, a time when a nation, burdened by economic crisis and political uncertainty, turned a page in history. It is often remembered as the end of an era and the beginning of Reform, a democratic transition that brought new hope. Yet alongside this significant milestone, there were stories that remain less spoken of, stories of quiet suffering and enduring strength, particularly from women and communities affected in deeply personal ways.
This reflection honours those voices, especially women, who not only endured unimaginable hardship but also found ways to nurture healing and advocate for peace in its aftermath.
Behind the Headlines, A Complex Moment in History
As economic hardship gripped the country during the Asian Financial Crisis, tensions escalated. When four university students were shot during a peaceful demonstration on 12 May 1998, it became a turning point. Protests intensified, and in the days that followed, parts of the country were overtaken by unrest.
Communities, especially those of Chinese-Indonesian heritage experienced acute fear and uncertainty. Homes and businesses were affected, and families were displaced. Whilst the broader political narrative focused on reform and renewal, many individuals faced a more personal reckoning, how to rebuild their lives amidst loss and instability.
Women’s Experiences and Unseen Resilience
During this time, numerous women and girls were subjected to acts of violence, often in silence. The experiences of these women cannot be reduced to statistics, they are testimonies of lived reality, shaped by courage and endurance. Cultural barriers and fear of stigmatisation meant that many did not speak publicly, but their pain was real, and so too was their strength.
Civil society groups, including Komnas Perempuan (Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence Against Women), worked diligently to provide a safe platform for affected women and their families. In her work Tragedi Mei 1998: Lahirnya Komnas Perempuan, Dewi Anggraeni documented how women’s stories helped inform national dialogue and inspired the establishment of protective frameworks for women’s rights (Anggraeni, 2014).
The efforts of these groups helped ensure that the events of May 1998 were not forgotten, and that survivors could begin to heal through support, solidarity, and recognition.
From Silence to Leadership, Women as Peacebuilders
Whilst many remember May 1998 in terms of pain, it is equally important to recognise the agency that women demonstrated in its aftermath. Women were not only affected, they were among the first to lead grassroots recovery, advocate for justice, and promote reconciliation.
Women from diverse backgrounds came together to build spaces of dialogue, offer trauma counselling, and engage in civic education. Their leadership extended beyond relief efforts. Many became educators, human rights advocates, and cultural custodians, ensuring that the lessons of the past are carried forward with empathy and wisdom. In reflecting on May 1998, we must also honour the transformative power of women who turned adversity into advocacy.
A Nation’s Memory and Its Moral Responsibility
As Indonesia continues to grow as a democracy, remembering May 1998 becomes more than just a historical exercise, it is a moral act. By acknowledging the diverse experiences of those affected, particularly women and ethnic minorities, the country affirms its commitment to a just and inclusive society.
Public dialogue has matured over the years. Whilst challenges remain, there are ongoing efforts in education, literature, and civil society to ensure that the events are understood with depth and care. This is not about reopening wounds, it is about recognising resilience, learning from the past, and fostering collective healing.
Towards an Inclusive Future
History is not only written in political milestones or the downfall of regimes, it lives in the everyday courage of those who endured violence, survived trauma, and made the choice to rebuild, often with quiet resilience. In the case of Indonesia’s May 1998 tragedy, the memory of reform cannot be fully understood without acknowledging those who paid the price for national change not just in the streets, but in their homes, bodies, and communities.
By embracing the full spectrum of experiences, including the silenced pain of sexual violence survivors, the displacement of Chinese-Indonesian families, and the bravery of women who spoke out despite fear, Indonesia strengthens its moral and democratic foundation.
Women, in particular, remind us that in the aftermath of unrest, healing is possible, not only through the mechanisms of justice, but through compassion, remembrance, and grassroots leadership. Their stories challenge us to confront uncomfortable truths, but also to imagine a future where peace is built not only on laws, but on empathy, accountability, and collective memory. In listening to these stories, we do not reopen wounds, we begin to truly heal them.