Support for the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) congress that was planned to be held in the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya continues to flow in, although there are many that oppose it.

It’s Thursday afternoon, March 18, and dozens of family members of victims of human rights violations are holding another “Kamisan” (Thursday Action), a silent protest in which they hold black umbrellas with the names of human rights cases written on them.

Jakarta – The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) is calling on the United States not to cooperate with or provide military assistance to the Indonesian government. Military cooperation would only be acceptable if the Indonesian government seriously deals with and resolves cases of human rights violations.

Jakarta – Around 35 representatives of students and civil society groups from Papua demonstrated on Wednesday March 17 in front of the United States Embassy and the State Palace in Central Jakarta.

Jakarta – The international community continues to focus on the Indonesian government’s handling of the murder of human rights activist Munir. The Indonesian government, particularly the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), needs to accelerate the handling of the case by submitting a judicial review of the Supreme Court’s appeal decision.

A peaceful action involving the distribution of leaflets and release of balloons marked the commemoration of International Women’s Day in the city of Banda Aceh on Monday March 8.

Palu – March 8 is International Women’s Day, which is commemorated throughout the world. In the Central Sulawesi city of Palu, scores of women from the Lembah Palu Women’s Union (SPLP) held a peaceful action on Monday evening in which they brought torches and banners opposing the oppression of women and children.

Jakarta – The Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) along with several legal institutions have submitted a request for a judicial review with the Constitutional Court against Law Number 4/PNPS/1963 dated April 23, 1963, on the securing of printed materials whose contents could disturb public order.

Isma Savitri, Jakarta – Hundreds of women demonstrated at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle on Monday March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Medan – The commemoration of International Women’s Day in Medan, North Sumatra, was marked by a protest action at the Regional House of Representatives building by hundreds of women workers who said they were victims of discrimination by their employers.