Black May 1998: 10th Commemoration

Nancy sent the invitation of the 10^th commemoration of May 1998 tragedy in Indonesia to the network…

Dear CAGI, ASNT, SI and fellow activist friends,

I hope that this message finds you all well, and that you're all enjoying this beautiful spring weather.

This year is the 10^th anniversary of the May 1998 riots in Indonesia during which thousands were killed and many women and children were raped. Although a decade has passed, we are still seeking justice for these horrific crimes.

I'm writing to invite you to attend a memorial service and panel discussion on Thursday, May 15^th at 7pm in the Debates Room of Hart House at the University of Toronto. This event will feature a presentation by our guest speaker from Indonesia, Eddie Lembong. He will talk about the 1998 riots and the ongoing challenges that Chinese-Indonesians face in the country. Eddie will be joined by other presenters who will engage in a conversation with him about these issues.

On Friday, May 16^th at 6:30 pm, you are invited to join Eddie and others for dinner at the Scarborough Grand Seafood Restaurant.

Please see the attached flyers for more details.

I look forward to seeing you at these events & ask that you kindly circulate this invitation to your networks.


The content of the flyer:

Canadians Committed to Ethnic Voice in Indonesia (CCEVI) presents:
Drs. Eddie Lembong
Founder of PT Pharos Indonesia, Perhimpunan INTI, Yayasan Nabil

1998 – 10 days that shook Indonesia
2008 – Still Searching for Justice

“Life long learning doesn’t only enrich and slow down dementia, but also extends the horizon and wisdom of life. Reading is an effective way of learning.”

May 2008 marks the 10^th anniversary of the 12-14 May 1998 Indonesian tragedy where riots took place in cities across the country. Many people were burned alive and at least 66 women and children, mainly Chinese Indonesians, were raped. This has resulted in the resignation of the late President Suharto and the downfall of his New Order administration.

In 1999, less than one year after the internationally condemned anti-Chinese riots took place in May 1998, Eddie Lembong founded Perhimpunan INTI (the Chinese-Indonesian Association). It became clear from the May ‘98 tragedy that the racial divide between Chinese and native Indonesians, inherited from the colonial period, is an impediment to the nation’s progress and development. From generation to generation the Indonesian Chinese have suffered various forms of discrimination and violence.

Perhimpunan INTI is also conscious of the fact that a compounding factor to the Chinese Indonesian dilemma is the prevalent perception among the Indonesian people that Chinese Indonesians are not contributing their fair share in commitments and obligations toward the nation.

Eddie Lembong, a Nation Builder and Philanthropist, Respected Academic and Visionary, is going to share opinions with us in discussion with other panelists.


Public Events Program

“Remembering May 1998, Understanding the Present,
Paving the way for a better Future”

The integration of Chinese–Indonesians into a Multicultural Indonesia: Towards a Solution

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Press Conference
CCNC Board Room, 302 Spadina Ave., 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 2E7

Thursday, May 15, 2008
7:00 – 10:00 PM
Memorial Service followed by Panel Discussion:
1998: 10 days that shook Indonesia
2008: still searching for Justice
Hart House, Hart House Circle, entrance from Wellesley St. or College St.
Closest TTC: Museum Subway Station

Friday, May 16, 2008
6:30 PM
Dinner Together with Mr. Eddie Lembong
Scarborough Grand Seafood Restaurant, Dragon Center, 23 Glen Watford Dr. Unit 9, North East Midland & Sheppard.
Ticket $30 / person. Ticket can be purchased from Jason Liang (416) 856-2128; Seh Ching Wen (416) 888-8119; Ayrini Undyantara (416) 494-2844

Visit our websites: www.ccevi.org or www.ccevi.webs.com – e-mail: ccevi@hotmail.com