Indonesian-born singer Anggun C. Sasmi recently stirred public discussion with an opinion piece on communism published by DW Indonesia. In the article, she delves into the emotional weight the topic carries in Indonesian society, linking it to a childhood experience that left a lasting impression. Anggun, known internationally for hits like "Snow on the Sahara," writes candidly about her first exposure to the subject through the controversial film Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI (Treachery of the G30S/PKI), which she was required to watch during elementary school. She described the film as a horror experience, filled with graphic torture and murder scenes that she argues are inappropriate for young audiences.
Anggun's article, titled "Komunisme dan Emosi yang Bertautan di Indonesia" (Communism and the Related Emotion in Indonesia), explores how the trauma of the 1965–66 anti-communist purge and the subsequent state-mandated propaganda continue to shape Indonesian attitudes. She writes that the film, which was shown annually to students throughout the New Order era, instilled a deep-seated fear rather than a nuanced understanding of history. "It was the first horror film that I ever saw! There were plenty of torture and murder scenes that are absolutely not appropriate for children to watch. I don't know why the censoring agency in Indonesia, which was tasked to provide ratings like PG [parental guidance suggested], 17 years old and above and adult, gave a special exemption for this film," Anggun wrote.
Background on Anggun's Career and Advocacy
Anggun C. Sasmi first rose to fame in Indonesia in the late 1980s as a teenage rock singer. After a successful domestic career, she moved to Europe and achieved international acclaim with her 1997 album Snow on the Sahara, which sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. She has since released multiple albums in French, English, and Indonesian, earning several awards including the prestigious Prix de la Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques in France. Beyond music, Anggun has been an outspoken advocate on social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, and women's empowerment. She previously wrote articles on mistaken feminine solidarity and the vulnerabilities faced by minority communities in Indonesia. Her willingness to tackle sensitive topics has often sparked debate, and her latest piece on communism is no exception.
The G30S/PKI Film and Its Controversial History
The film Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI was produced in 1984 under the instruction of President Suharto's New Order government. It depicts the attempted coup by the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) in 1965 and the subsequent massacre of generals. Critics argue that the film is highly propagandistic, simplifying complex historical events and dehumanizing alleged communists. It was regularly screened in schools, government offices, and on national television until the fall of Suharto in 1998. Many scholars and human rights activists have called for a more balanced portrayal of the period, noting that the film contributed to decades of stigmatization and violence against suspected leftists. In 2017, Indonesia's Education Minister Muhadjir Effendy acknowledged that the film was not suitable for children, stating that it should be replaced with more age-appropriate materials that provide historical context without graphic violence.
Netizen Reactions and Anggun's Response
Following the publication of her article, Anggun's social media accounts were flooded with comments—both supportive and critical. Some netizens questioned her motivation for writing about such a sensitive issue, accusing her of being influenced by foreign perspectives or seeking attention. Others expressed agreement, commending her for addressing a topic often considered taboo. In response, Anggun took to Instagram to clarify her intentions. In a post replying to a commenter, she wrote: "Anytime I'm intrigued with something, I always want to write about it. I've written articles on the LGBT community, mistaken feminine solidarity, as well as diversity that is currently a vulnerable issue in Indonesia." She further explained that her article was not about communism itself, but about the emotional reaction Indonesians have to the dark chapter of their history. "Perhaps if I didn't make the effort to find out what communism really is, I would be scared [of it] my whole life," she added.
The Instagram post, shared on November 12, 2018, included a snippet from the DW Indonesia article and expressed gratitude to those who had read the full piece. Anggun encouraged her followers to reduce the habit of commenting without a solid foundation by first engaging with the content. The post generated thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, reflecting the deep divisions within Indonesian society over how to remember the 1965–66 events.
Broader Context: Freedom of Expression in Indonesia
The discussion sparked by Anggun's article also highlights ongoing challenges related to freedom of expression in Indonesia. While the country has made significant progress since the Reformasi era, topics such as communism, leftist ideology, and the 1965 massacre remain heavily policed. The Indonesian government officially banned the PKI and communist teachings under the New Order, and a law enacted in 2009 prohibits the propagation of communist ideology. Critics argue that this law stifles academic debate and historical research. In recent years, several figures—including academics and artists—have faced harassment or legal action for discussing communism or expressing sympathy for victims of the 1965 purge. Anggun's piece, while widely circulated, also attracted calls for censorship from some conservative groups.
Her willingness to engage with the topic is seen by many as a brave move. In her reply to a netizen on Instagram, she revealed that she had wanted to write about communism for a long time but lacked the time to properly research and articulate her thoughts. "Writing needs time, which sometimes I just don't have enough of," she said. This acknowledgement underscores the careful consideration she gave to the piece, aiming to foster calm reflection rather than ignite further polarization.
Anggun's Other Writings and Activism
Anggun's history of writing on sensitive subjects positions her as a cultural figure willing to address societal taboos. In addition to her work on communism, she has penned articles on the Indonesian LGBTQ+ community, criticizing discriminatory attitudes and calling for greater acceptance. She also wrote about the concept of "mistaken feminine solidarity," arguing that true feminist support requires action beyond mere rhetoric. In a 2017 piece, she discussed the importance of diversity in Indonesia, warning against rising intolerance toward religious and ethnic minorities. Each of these writings has attracted both praise and backlash, reflecting the polarizing nature of public discourse in the country.
Anggun's international platform—she is a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development—gives her a unique voice. She often uses this platform to highlight issues from Indonesia, bridging local concerns with global audiences. Her opinion piece on communism can be seen as part of a broader effort to encourage her fellow Indonesians to confront their history with honesty and maturity, rather than fear.
The reaction to the article also underscores the power of social media in shaping public debate. Within hours of publication, Anggun's Instagram was filled with comments ranging from fervent support to harsh criticism. Some users shared their own experiences of watching the G30S/PKI film, while others debated the accuracy of historical narratives. A few netizens defended the film as a necessary tool to prevent the return of communism, while others echoed Anggun's sentiment that it traumatized children and prevented genuine understanding. The diversity of opinions illustrates the deep divides that persist more than five decades after the events.
Anggun responded to several comments with grace and patience, often providing further context or encouraging dialogue. She avoided confrontational tones, instead focusing on the importance of reading and educating oneself. In one exchange, she wrote: "Mari kita kurangi hasrat mengomentari tanpa fondasi dengan meningkatkan keinginan membaca" (Let us reduce the desire to comment without foundation by increasing the desire to read). This call for intellectual engagement resonated with many of her followers, leading to further sharing of the original article.
Ultimately, Anggun's piece serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Indonesia's traumatic past and the ongoing struggle to form a coherent national narrative. By sharing her personal experience with the G30S/PKI film, she humanizes a topic often obscured by political rhetoric. Her appeal for a more measured and informed discussion offers a path forward for a society still grappling with unresolved historical wounds.
Source: The Jakarta Post News