Original subtitles

Indonesia in the late 1950s and early 1960s...

...was a country caught in the middle of the Cold War.

Whether the country, under the leadership of Sukarno...

...its "president-for-life", would choose the path of communism...

...was a question on everyone's mind.

The entire population was politicized and all factions of society...

...Indonesian students included, became part of a larger game...

...that would determine Indonesia's future.

Soe Hok Gie, a young man of Chinese descent came of age in this era.

This film is a visual interpretation of that young's life.

(A speech of President Soekarno.)

"Produce with financial support of the Hubert Bals Fund...

...of the International Film Festival Rotterdam".

Hey! He knocked over the paint!

Run!

Han!

I was born in Jakarta, December 17, 1942...

...when war was exploding in the Pacific.

When I was five, my parents sent me to Xin Hwa School.

After that, I went to Strada Junior High.

GIE

1956

Syan, I'm going now.

Out of bed, Djin!

Come on, girls.

Twenty people have been arrested for suspected...

...involvement in an attempt to kill President Soekarno...

This is all you could get?

You're lazy, a good-for-nothing! Han! Come with us!

If you can't write anymore, how are we going to feed the kids?

Why don't you contact Tan at Star Weekly, ask for a job there.

Soe!

Mona and I can take in sewing.

Who is it, Gie?

It's okay. I'm fine. You should go home, Han.

Your aunt will have gotten over it by now.

No, you stay here. You can sleep in my bed.

Gie, listen to Dien! Take Han back to his house.

This is none of your business-or ours!

If he goes home, he'll get beaten for sure. You want that to happen?

- Listen, Gie, I'll go. - Where's that ungrateful wretch?

Such an ungrateful kid!

Where do you think you're going?

Sir, isn't there a difference between an author and a translator?

In this case we can say that he is the author...

...because the real author isn't known here.

Indeed, we can say that Chairi Anwar is the book's author.

No, you can't! He's the translator, not the author.

Besides, Andre Gide, the real author, is known here.

Maybe you know him, but what about the others?

Giam, you know Andre Gide?

Well, most pedicab drivers don't know Chairil either!

And you're no better than one! That's right!

As a human being, I am no better!

Today is a day when vengeance fils my heart.

I got an 8 on a 10-point test...

...but the teacher knocked off another 3 points.

I'm not happy about this at all.

Why do you keep arguing with him, Gie?

Your grades aren't all that bad. They're still better than mine!

Han, if you want a life that's free, you have to learn to fight for it.

Look at Soekarno, Hatta and Sjahrir...

...they were willing to fight for the independence of this country.

They had the courage to stand up against injustice.

Hey, how about going to the beach.

What are you talking about?

The beach. I'd like to see the ocean.

My anger has become a stone in my heart.

I have never failed a test before.

Now, because of it, I'm ranked third in the class.

In fact, I know for sure I should be number one. I won't accept this.

My grades deserve to be higher than the ones in my report card.

Maybe so, but you have to apologize to Mr. Arifin.

Asep got much better grades, but that's because he is your nephew.

Isn't that right, sir?

I won't accept it, Mother. My grades are better than that.

I'm a lot smarter than the other kids.

The teachers have something against me is all.

You can repeat the year like your principal said.

- You're not that old. - I won't!

don't you believe me, Mother? don't you think that I am smart?

Say something, Father. You know how much I read.

- Stop it, Gie. - No, I won't!

You can find me another school. I'll prove it to you.

If my low grades are only because I criticized my teacher...

...I won't put up for it. And I won't apologize either.

But that's a stupid teacher for you.

Why, he doesn't even know his subject.

I know more about literature than he does.

A teacher who can't take criticism doesn't deserve to teach.

Teachers are not gods and not always right either.

And students are not just stupid buffalo.

Monday, October 28, 1957.

School has started and it is so boring.

I'd like to study outside, in the open air, like Tagore suggested.

Sunday, January 26, 1958.

I don't know what's come over me but all I want to do is write.

I went to the central library today...

Sunday, January 26, 1958.

I am feeling excited, made adventurous from my reading.

I just finished a book about Prince Jenggala and his Chinese queen...

Tuesday, February 4, 1958.

I've been reading a lot lately.

I finished a book on Trifid, a threat to the world.

It's a good book.

I feel uneasy.

Friday, February 14, 1958.

Women will always be beneath men if all they care about...

...are clothes and make-up.

Monday, March 24, 1958.

I just read Romeo and Juliet.

The story is idealistic, illogical and boring...

...but I read it anyway.

I've taken an interest in phiosophy.

I'd like to correct my faults.

Soe Hok Gie!

- Where are we going? - To the mountains.

- I thought we were going to the beach. - We can go to the beach another time.

Today, President Soekarno officially announced...

...the concept of guided democracy, which, he feels...

...is better suited to Indonesia than Western-style democracy.

So, in your opinion, Soe, "guided democracy" is not democratic at all?

That's right, sir. Just look at what has been happening to the press lately.

Indonesia Raya and Harian Rakyat newspapers, for instance.

I'm not a supporter of the Communist Party...

...but the closure of Harian Rakyat violates all democratic principles.

Here we are, supposedly a democracy...

...but the government is the first to sience anyone who speaks against it.

Meanwhile, journalists and anyone else who speak out...

...against corruption find themselves arrested.

That's what happened to Mochtar Lubis, the journalist.

In my opinion, this is a clear sign of dictatorship.

I'm sorry to say, our time is up for the day.

Thank you all for participating in this discussion.

We are the new generation with the task of putting to right...

...the wrongs of the generation before us.

We will be the judge and jury for those who are corrupt.

We are the generation that will lead Indonesia to prosperity.

Our current leaders were raised in the Dutch colonial era.

Yes, they fought for independence.

But they have forgotten what they fought for.

And now the people's are suffering more than ever.

I am here for you, the wretched and the oppressed!

Who is responsible for this situation?

The older generation?

Our corrupt leaders should be executed for what they have done.

Mona, the sewing machine is here. You can put it over there.

Djin, help move that table. Soe, do something!

Djin, tell your father to give us a hand.

Our only hope is in the truth...

...but the radio keeps spreading lies.

The truth is ephemeral...

...and the world is full of deception.

High school is over now.

And the pleasant memories of that time come back to me.

Realizing that everything must and will come to an end...

...I almost feel nostalgic.

It's as if I am afraid of the future and what lies ahead.

The past takes on a golden glow...

...but one principle I follow is "let the dead be dead".

There are men and women so lonely, they believe God too is lonely...

Gie!

Herman!

Ira!

Gie!

Ira!

Gie!

Gie!

You bunch of twits! The others are waiting. Come on!

1963

The situation is getting worse.

Tension between the military and the Communist Party is on the rise.

It's too soon to tell what might happen.

I don't know. Let's just hope it's not an open clash.

Prices are soaring...

...and greedy capitalists are taking advantage of the situation.

Given this scenario, we, as educated people, must do something.

As scholars, we must devise a new set of solutions.

But we must remain neutral, not swayed by vested interests.

We must be willing to shoulder the burden of social responsibiity...

...and act when the time calls.

An intellectual who does nothing in a time like this...

...has lost all sense of humanity.

When Hitler began to show his true side...

...a young woman by the name of Inge Scholl said no.

She and her followers had the courage to say no.

They were young but they had the nerve to oppose the Nazi regime.

That they were executed for their opposition is not the issue...

...they fulfilled their intellectual duty.

They faced cruel consequences for their stance.

At the same time, what could be more poetic than to die defending the truth?

We have to issue an announcement, encouraging people to speak up.

We need new concepts and ideas.

We must do everything we can to understand the true problems today.

Finding the key to understanding is the quest of every thinking person.

Whether he is a nationalist, a socialist or a communist.

We'll meet again next Tuesday.

Gie, I'm Ben...

...from the Socialist Student Movement. Do you have time to talk?

After a discussion with supporters of the Indonesian Socialist Party...

...I was introduced by an activist to the party's leader...

...a former government official by the name of Soemitro.

For opposing government policies he was forced to live in exile.

I had heard of his political manifesto.

He's a true idealist...

In principle, I believe we both agree...

...the government is going in the wrong direction.

And I would like it very much if you...

- Is it "Gie" or "Soe"? - It's Soe.

- If you, Soe, could help us with a campaign. - How?

By bringing out an underground publication...

...a journal, something confidential.

We need a forum for the opinions of young intellectuals like yourself...

...a periodical of sorts in which to publish them. - The objective?

The same as what you've been doing...

...creating public opinion on problems today.

Is this a political conspiracy?

I guarantee you, this is an independent movement.

There is no involvement from political parties, or high-level institutions.

However, that does not mean we don't have our supporters.

How about it?

Starting tomorrow, I'll be staying with Dien.

She needs help with the baby.

Mona, you'l have to fix meals for your father and Gie.

And, Gie, you should eat at home more often.

It would save us some money.

Gie!

The People's Assembly today elected Soekarno as president for life...

I was invited to meet Soekarno as a representative...

...of young Chinese-Indonesians who supported assimiation...

...and to ask for his blessing. His blessing!

At first I was reluctant because I had nothing to wear...

...but then, with a borrowed suit, I went anyway.

Soe, are you ready?

I have a friend with whom I rarely agree about anything.

According to him, Soekarno has three kinds of titles.

Just like one of the old Javanese kings.

A political title: "Ruler of the Land".

A miitary title: "Commander of the Battle".

And a religious title: "The Chosen One".

Soekarno has positioned himself as heir to the Javanese kingly dynasty.

And he acts just like one, with all his wives and his great many palaces!

The suit is too big for him.

I now see the truth in my friend's statement.

The revolution of 1945 is our new religion.

And Soekarno's political slogans are nothing more than false prayers...

...yet people trust them implicitly.

It's time for the Indonesian people to say no to Soekarno!

That film was too heavy. I didn't get it!

Where do you think you're going? Sit here, join the discussion.

Go ahead, Denny, say what do you think of the film.

I just told you I don't get it!

You said it's a war fim but where's the bang-bang-bang?

The point of the film was to capture the human side of people...

...who have but a few days to live.

It is a tragic story but also a heroic tale.

Remember, the Japanese see suicide as a noble act.

Look at the film's leading character.

Personally he is opposed to war and supports humanistic ideals.

Why then is he willing to die? To bring the war to a sooner end!

He hopes to open the eyes of the leadership to the misery of war.

As for the other leading character, he is afraid to die...

...because he doesn't want to leave his lover.

But on the final evening he finds peace as he imagines...

...his lover performing a mystical dance.

And, in the end, he too kills herself.

But I bet you had more sympathy for the main character, right?

Because you don't have a girlfriend!

And so you can't relate to the other guy!

I liked the music.

Even though it sounds western, you can tell it's Japanese.

I mean, even though it's modern music...

...anyone listening can tell it is Japanese.

Which means that strong cultural roots...

...will not be penetrated by western culture.

A good analogy is this...

...Japan is the soil, the West is the seed.

Even though the seed grows as a western tree...

...it will have Japanese roots.

So tell me, Ira, if you are the soil, whose seeds do you want to have?

- Soe. - Auntie, is Ira home?

- Ira, Soe is here. I have to go now. - Yes, auntie.

Come in.

Ira, do you feel awkward when we're together like this?

Huh?

I mean, when weire alone like this, what do you feel?

Do you feel like you're with your brother...

...with a friend, or a boyfriend?

What are you talking about?

We should get going. The other will be waiting.

Gie, you're a Catholic, aren't you? What?

I and some others have joined the Catholic Students Organization.

It's small, but well organized.

There is a meeting at my place next week.

We'd be very happy if you could come.

- What is this for, Jaka? - What for?

Gie...?

Han!

"The founding of Mapala is to be marked...

...by a hiking trip to Mount Pangrango"

- Gie. - Sorry, Ira. Why are you walking backwards?

- It's Jaka, isn't it? - He's changed so quickly.

Don't think about it, Gie.

By the way, I booked the auditorium for the opening.

I think the name is great.

"Mapala" has a nice sound to it...

...the Student Nature Lovers Association.

Gie... About last night...

- Last night? - Yes, last night, at my house.

What is it? Did I do something wrong?

It's not that. I just wanted to say, you're a very kind person.

"Before the first sun rises in 1965, Malaysia will be defeated"

The history of the world is one of oppression.

The question is, can there be history without oppression...

...or without sadness and betrayal?

It's like, when studying history, the only thing we find is betrayal.

It is there, in each and every part of our life...

...yet we can do nothing about it.

How very tragic this is.

But "life is suffering", so says the Buddha...

...and people cannot escape from it.

Historical awareness denotes an awareness of life...

...and the futility of human values.

Indeed, life is not always pleasant.

"Happy is the people without history", Dawson says.

And the historian is a person who must know and experience life's pain.

- Gie. - Hi, Jaka. Did you see the fim?

I saw you laughing at me yesterday.

I don't care if you don't approve of my actions...

...but if you want to do something useful...

...stop wasting your time watching movies and climbing mountains!

- What are you trying to say? - You yourself said it.

We need concepts, ideas and to do everything we can...

...to understand the issues affecting our country today.

Isn't that what you said?

Which side are you on anyway? Left or right?

- Watch what you're saying, Jaka. - No, you watch it!

- What's going on? - Nothing.

Gie? It's me, Han! Tjin Han.

- Han? - How are you?

I didn't think I'd ever see you again. - Yeah, me too.

I never get to the old neighborhood anymore.

- So where do you live now? - The Roxy area.

- Still with your aunt? - Who else?

- I think a revolution is coming. - Revolution? What kind of revolution?

No one wants to talk about it but the situation...

...between the Communist Party and the army is really tense.

Soekarno and the Communist Party chairman are far too close.

The situation is likely to explode.

Why don't you come to one of our meetings?

You could see what we're fighting for.

The Party's getting bigger and we got a lot of people's support.

I'll introduce you to my comrades. I'm sure they will like you.

Try asking yourself why Soekarno and the Communist Party support each other.

It's politics, Han. It all a game of power.

Listen to me a second.

You should know why I want change, why I want a better life.

Like you, I also feel I have a duty...

...to see that the poor have a better life.

And it's going to happen, Gie. You should know that.

Just listen to me, please. Get out of the Party while you can.

Trust me on this.

Political parties are now influencing campus life.

Large student organizations like the National Student Organization...

...and the Islamic Student Organization...

...and even smalls ones like the Catholic Student Union...

...are basing their moves on their partyis political agenda.

I have no sympathy for them at all.

If students are making decisions of political relevance...

...no matter how minor, the decision-making process...

...should be neutral and based on strong principles.

If something is right they must have the courage to say itis right.

And if it's wrong, to say it's wrong.

And not base truth on religious, political...

...or any other organizational principles.

"Submit the name of your candidate for the Student Senate"

For me, politics is dirty business, as dirty as mud.

But if the time comes and it is impossible to avoid...

...one must jump in!

Have you seen Herman?

I just think we need to do something.

The situation is getting worse.

All the candidates are being used by political parties.

We have to make sure the student senate stays neutral.

It's not that I don't want to be a candidate...

...but I have no interest in politics. I hate all that political bullshit.

Thatis exactly my point!

You're ideal for the position.

You're the oldest one among us.

You have the charisma to be a leader.

And, most important, you're not connected to a political party.

That's an advantage. I'm sure our friends will agree.

With you as head, we could make the hiking club stronger.

So, that's it, huh?

- But you will help me, right? - Of course I will.

We can set up the kinds of activities that we like...

...concerts, films, mountain climbing...

- But... - What?

But every now and then, we have to attack the government too!

Okay!

I think it's clear for me now, which is why I am giving this to you.

You'll see that the thinking behind my essay...

...isn't all that far from that of Soemitrois manifesto.

We're so glad you finally decided to join us.

- I'm Roeli. - I'm Yossy.

"A Political Manifesto for a Reform Movement"

Though this country achieved its independence...

...we have yet to achieve the goals of the revolution.

We are concerned that our leaders and our government...

...have led this country to an alarming situation.

And now dictatorship, whether by an individual or a group...

...is not just a danger...

It has become reality!

May I add something?

State policies and administration not only contravene the principles...

...of humanitarianism and consensus...

...they have emasculated and suppressed them.

It is now very clear that the term "guided democracy"...

...if but a ploy for suppressing...

...and destroying the very principles of democracy itself.

The time has come for every true patriot to assemble...

...to act, and to save this nation from catastrophe.

Every student who considers himself anti-colonialist and a revolutionary...

...is invited to participate in the student senate.

This hope is shared by the teachers in this department.

Together, we can achieve our goal.

Gie!

This must be your writing.

So, the government is just a bunch of liars!

Hey, I have something for you to see.

- What's that? - Just come with me.

Now all you have to do is relax.

I have a friend who's dying to meet you.

Here are cigarettes, peanuts and beer.

Now, I'm going to leave. You relax, okay?

Hi.

- I'm Soe. - I'm Santi.

- Where do you live? - On Kebon Jeruk.

Do you like mountain climbing? Denny and I do.

- Are you a student? - No.

- Do you work? - Yes.

- Where? - The Nirvana Hotel.

Gie, get back in there.

You didn't tell me she's that kind of girl. She even works out of a hotel!

This wasn't just my idea. The other guys were in on it too.

- You have to get some experience. - You're crazy.

You can't be so uptight with girls.

You haven't done anything with Ira, have you?

- So you can practice with Santi! - We've already paid for her time.

Ira is my friend and I respect her.

don't put her in the same category as that woman!

Gie...

I'm sorry, Gie.

Really, I'm sorry.

- You're part of the scam! - You pervert!

1965 - We demand that the initiation organizing committee be disbanded!

In fact, the whole student senate should be disbanded.

It's clear they have tried to thwart...

...the National Student Movement's every demand.

Ever since the senate was formed, we voiced our objections about it.

The trashing of our posters proves that the senate...

...is contra-revolutionary and against Soekarno!

Sir, let me say something.

I want to clarify that this student senate is neutral.

Members of the senate are individuals.

They are not representatives of any particular organization.

- They were chosen based on... - Hey, Chink! Shut your face!

This is bullshit!

- Gie... - What, Herman?

Can't you sleep?

I'm sorry about this mess.

You were right, politics is bullshit.

You know, I've always wanted to ask you something.

What is it we're actually fighting for?

Gie? - What you said reminds me of a childhood friend.

He too used to ask me why I was always protesting...

...especially when my life was so much better than his.

Look at it this way, we have a president, a leader...

...whom we recognize as this country's founding father.

Even so, that should not warrant him having absolute control...

...over our lives...

...especially when corruption and injustice is so pervasive.

If we just sit back and accept this fate...

...we'll never know life's true opportunities.

It's simple, really. I want change so that we can have a better life.

And this can only happen if Soekarno is replaced.

Talking about change of fate...

Ira gave me the lyrics to a Joan Baez song.

Calves are easily bound and slaughtered...

...never knowing the reason why.

But whoever treasures freedom, like the swallow must learn to fly...

I studied the lyrics.

What they're saying is not to accept misery...

...or to live as if our whole life has been predetermined...

...as if it's a curse we have no choice but to bear.

If we want to live freely, we must learn to fly.

Hey, shithead, wake up!

I don't want to be a bamboo that sways in the wind.

I want to be an oak, able to stand firm.

October 1, 1965

Something happened last night. Some generals were kidnapped.

Now there's a curfew.

Come in.

I'm Soenarto.

Did Ben tell you?

You're working with me now. Ben has been moved to another section.

Hi, Yossy! Roeli...

Where are my car keys?

Good evening, Mr. Soenarto. Friends of yours?- Yes, sir.

Sir, I've brought some people for you to meet.

I'm Wijono. - I'm Yossy. - Wijono...- I'm Roeli.

- I'm Soe. - Soe?

Soe Hok Gie.

In high-level politics, there are two major political forces.

This is true in the miitary as well.

The first block is anti-communist. The second is pro-Communist Party.

Soekarno leans towards the second to balance the two.

Because only the Communist Party can compete with the military.

Good night. Where are you going?

I am Soe Hok Gie, sir. I'm a student at the University of Indonesia.

Don't you know there's a curfew? - Is there really?

I've been so busy writing my thesis, I havenit listened to the radio.

- I asked you where are you going. - I'm going home, sir.

- Where do you live? - Very close, on Kebon Jeruk, sir.

You better stay at home.

If people think you're a communist, you could be kiled.

I don't get it, Gie I'm sure the Party wasn't involved.

It's like you said, it's political power game.

What do you think is going to happen?

will they disband the Party?

You're coming with me.

I'll take you to a friend's house where you can stay for a while.

No, Gie, I have to stay here.

My aunt is old.

If you stay, don't go out.

Hide anything that connects you to the Communist Party.

Burn what you can.

In the morning, try to find a place for your aunt.

After that, come to my house. Do you understand me, Han?

Army headquarters has temporarily banned all newspapers...

...except for ones published by the miitary.

This policy has been put into effect in order to resolve any confusion...

...regarding the attempted coup...

...and the role the Communist Party played in it.

January 1966

In a political move, to break the power of the anti-communist force...

...the government raised food prices. Soekarno's objective is clear.

To make people think more about putting food on their table...

...than crushing the Communist Party!

This puts the military in a difficult position.

For them to do nothing will mean chaos...

...but if they act, the people willturn against them.

Student organizations have merged themselves into KAMI...

...the Indonesian Students Acts Union...

...which will take our demands to the street.

If the government bans the Communist Party...

...it must focus on economic improvement.

If the people become any more destitute...

...they will take matters into their own hands.

That will mean chaos.

It would better for students to lead the way.

Herman, this is Roeli and Yossy Roeli.

We were in the same high school.

Herman Lantang?

- You two know each other? - This guy used to be a delinquent!

Well now he and his friends are helping us.

Herman is the student president. He can get you some student IDs.

- Gie. - Hi, Djin.

I went home yesterday to help Mother move the rest of her stuff.

- Lately, I've been staying at campus. - I've read your articles.

They're very good.

Well, I must go...

By the way, I'm managing a talk show for the university radio...

...on current issues. Could I ask you to speak one day? - Sure.

Who likes to wine and dine while the people go hungry?

- The corrupt ministers! - Who likes nightclubs and screwing around?

The ministers' boss!

We want to see the minister!

We're only asking you to sign this, sir.

Maybe it would be a good idea if you greeted the students yourself.

How many ministers do we have?

More than a hundred on the books.

Too bad every single one is a crook!

Cock, cock-a-doodle doo.

Our ministers are a bunch of clowns.

Pid, pid, stu-pid, stu-pid.

Bring all the idiot ministers down!

Down with idiot ministers!

Down with idiot ministers!

Mother...

Youire so dirty, Gie... And you smell!

Sometimes I wonder why you do all this.

Next time you go out, have your sister wash your clothes.

That night I slept in the Psychology Department.

Now, I'm really tired.

The holidays are coming and the year will soon be over.

But memories of the demonstration will live on.

It is a stepping stone of Indonesia's student movement...

...a stepping-stone of the Indonesian revolution...

...and a stepping-stone in Indonesian history.

Because what we were fighting for was truth and honesty.

February 1966/ Soekarno just delivered a speech...

...in which he made some important announcements.

It was, however, very disappointing, The Communist Party was not dissolved.

And the new cabinet still has Communists in it.

The prices for staple goods are as high as ever.

The students will hit the streets again.

My fellow listeners! Today, by presidential decree...

...President Soekarno handed over the powers of the presidency...

...to Lieutenant General Soeharto thereby giving him full authority.

To take whatever measures necessary to re-establish national security.

To safeguard both the personal safety and standing of the president.

And to implement the teachings of our revolutionary leader.

"The Courage of a Journalist"

"Militarism among Students"

My name is Soe Hok Gie.

You may call me Soe or Gie but never call me sir.

"Twenty Three Years of National Struggle"

"Betrayal by the Intellectual Elite"

"Zainal Abidin"

General Soeharto has been elected as the second President of Indonesia.

Hard hitting and incisive... An amazing young man!

Just leave the reels. I'll return them to the Goethe Institute myself.

- Gie. - Hi! Did you watch the fim?

Yes, I was sitting two rows behind you.

- Hi, Sinta. - Hi, Ira.

Your article appeared in Kompas today.

- My dad read it and gave his comments. - Oh, really?

Are you done here? Can we go?

- What did your dad say? - He said it was very good.

I love watching the rain.

And smelling its scent.

What about you?

One day, you must come to the mountains with us.

Gie...

Do you feel awkward when we're together like this?

I mean when it's just the two of us?

What do you feel?

Gie?

What were you saying?

You like mango, Gie. Go ahead, eat up. - Thanks, Leia.

When did you last see Mother, Gie?

It's been a while. It was on her birthday.

When was that? Yeah, a month, two months ago.

- How's Father? - He looks healthier.

I heard you've taken an Indonesian name.

- What is it? - Arief Budiman.

Wow...

- What about you? - What?

- Are you going to change yours? - Me?

Are you Soe Hok Gie?

I read your articles. Have you seen today's news?

Watch out, Chink!

Indonesia Raya newspaper claims to have uncovered strong evidence...

...that Bulog, the State Bureau of Logistics...

...has sold 2,000 tons of rice in a scam that has cost the state.

What do you think?

WiII Soemitro be able to retain his ideals in Soeharto's government?

I don't know.

We'll have to see.

Soenarto?

How did you know where I live?

Mr. Soemitro sends you his regards.

He says that he would like to meet you in person one day.

- Hi, Aristides. - Gie.

Let's sit outside.

Why do you look so troubled?

You know, you don't always have to be thinking.

Gie...

In 1966, the government introduced changes in parliament.

Pro-Communist and pro-Soekarno members were replaced.

Thirteen student leaders were among the new members.

As representatives, their rights and privileges...

...are the same as other members.

Some who once were almost destitute...

...now own fancy cars and travel abroad frequently...

...having been offered such luxuries by parties with vested interests.

Some are suspected to have enriched themselves...

...by exploiting their position.

- Hi, Gie. - Hi, Jaka.

I know exactly what's going through your mind...

...and I don't care one iota what you think of me.

I have the right to choose my own way of doing things.

Listen, I know you have your own dreams.

Maybe they're the same as mine.

Let's just hope that what you have been fighting for...

...won't be tainted by your ambition to keep your position.

I got to go, Jaka.

- Mother! - Auntie.

Ira!

May I speak to you for a moment?

I don't know what to do, Ira.

I know what my feeling are for Gie.

But I can never tell what he is thinking.

You're a good friend of his, aren't you?

Ira?

I'm sorry, Sinta, but I can't help you.

They picked up Han in the middle of the night.

He told me to hide.

I don't know what happened after that.

Commie dog!

The next morning they came back...

...to pick up me and other people in the area.

I was moved around until finally ending up in Semarang.

For two years I was locked up, not knowing why.

Since they took him away, I haven't heard from Han again.

In late 1965 and early 1966...

...something awful happened on the beautiful island of Bali...

...a mass slaughter possibly without parallel in modern times.

When Stalin was in power in Russia, mass terror ruled.

The same thing happened in Bali...

...targeting Communist Party members and suspected sympathizers.

During this time, when these killings were taking place...

...prisoners often begged to be killed straightway...

...from fear of torture or such heinous methods of execution...

...that no one either sane or believes in God could possible approve.

The army did nothing to stop these killings, obviously waiting...

...to see who would win the political battle in Jakarta.

Soekarno, Soeharto...

...the nationalists, the socialists or the leftists.

Self survival was the strongest motive for their actions.

Everyone tried to erase any connection to the Communist Party.

Former Party supporters became vocal and vehement anti-Communists.

Private militias emerged whose members were characterized by...

...their black uniforms and their weapons...

...swords, knives, clubs and guns.

In Bali, these killings claimed the lives...

...of at least eighty thousand people, young and old, men and women...

...and this number is based on conservative figures.

The burning of people's homes...

...the rape of women accused of being communist spread everywhere...

...all with the blessing of local political leaders.

Aren't you writing for Kompas today?

Hmm, Gie...

What is it, Tides?

I just want to be sure...

You know where you may go into with this?

Gie... Okay, I understand.

Tien! Take this to Dullah. Tell him it's for tomorrow.

No... Tell him Monday!

So, when do you want to make another climb?

- Semeru? You up for it? - Mount Semeru?

Yeah, at 3,600 meters high, it's the highest mountain in Java.

We've done Merapi and Salak. So Semeru is next, right?

Sounds good. Call together the others and we'll plan a trip.

Okay, will do. Got to go now.

Yes, Dullah?

It's about Gie's article. Are you sure about this?

Maybe you should think it over.

"Mass Murder on the Island of Bali"

Sinta, what is it?

Please forgive me, Gie...

I'm so sorry.

The media has strongly to the government's new policy...

...requiring all print media, to obtain a special...

...government-approved permit to publish.

Dear Herman, in far-away Iran.

Thanks for keeping up the steady stream of correspondence.

Of late, I really needed someone to talk to.

I almost feel too tired to write. Maybe I'm just fed up and uninspired.

Time passes quickly.

Most of our friends have graduated from university.

I really miss you, Ira, Denny and the others.

The laughter, the arguments, our discussions.

Ira is still at the university, working as an assistant lecturer...

...but we hardly ever seem to talk. I'm sure you know the reason why.

The department has changed so much. Many of my fellow lecturers...

...seem to have no dedication or commitment at all.

This makes the students all the more lazy.

This is just one of the issues I've tried to raise...

...but fellow teachers complain I'm being too stubborn...

...and making a big deal out of nothing.

I don't care. I'd rather be an outcast than a hypocrite.

I'm going to write an article on this.

"The Sorry Face of Today's University Students"

I plan to climb Semeru, maybe at the end of the year.

I hope you'll be home by then so that you can join us.

I trust your research is going well. Regards, Soe.

Because the miitary is the nation's new hero, their domination grows.

And now that they are in power, power will guide their actions.

We can also expect to see the reemergence...

...of Islamic mass organizations.

And with members of parliament representing...

...the political interests of those in power...

...it's not likely they will be critical of the government.

- Who was arrested? - Remi, Jon, Purnama, Joko...

The others have gone to check on them. - I'll go too.

I don't think that's a good idea.

Roeli told me your name was being bandied around.

You'd better keep your head down for a while.

Chinese + Communist = Death.

You've always seemed to know everything about me.

What do you know about this?

All I can say is to take good care of yourself.

Be very careful, and watch what you say when you speak.

If you speak out too strongly against someone, you're going to have enemies!

Remember, Soekarno is no longer in power.

The fight is over.

And the military is now in power!

Which I helped to bring to pass.

But does that mean I should stay quiet and be content?

Is that what you're suggesting?

Father...

I've always wanted to tell you...

...I became a writer because I'm the son of a writer.

Your example gave me the confidence to become one.

This journal of mine...

It was once yours.

Syan! Mona!

I'm going out to borrow a book.

"No Trading Here!!!"

I don't know why but I'm feeling melancholic tonight.

I'm seeing Jakarta's streets and its colorful lights in a different way.

They seem to have been transformed into a different kind of human face.

The sight seems familiar but alien...

...and I feel somehow disconnected from my body.

The street's darkened shadows are a haunting poem.

And there stirs in my soul, an overpowering love...

...that I want to share with all of humankind.

Auntie, is Ira home?

Ira is resting and can't be disturbed.

At the end, everything will come to one ordinary day...

...to a time that we long knew would come to be.

Are you still as loving as you used to be...

...asking if I drank my milk and had a good sleep...

...even as you are straightening my collar?

A veil of fog drifts slowly down the valley of love...

...here in distant Mandalawangi.

You and I stand tall looking at the dark forest...

...absorbing the sudden chill brought with the wind.

Is your gentle touch as loving as it used to be...

...when I held you tightly and you pulled me even closer?

WiII you still say to me, I can feel the beating of your heart?

We're so different in every way, except in our love.

As day turns to night, I see the world grow dark.

Unknown faces speak to me in a language I do know...

...one veiled, like the morning fog.

- Gie! - Han!

- How could you leave and not tell me? - I had to go with my aunt.

Han!

December 1969

- Denny? - Ira.

Gie left a letter with me for you. I'm sorry, Ira...

I should have brought it over yesterday, but I had no time.

I have some bad news from Mount Semeru...

Some people would spend all their time in prayer...

Others would spend their time in a gambling den.

But I would willingly spend all my time with you, my love.

Talking about our dogs and the trouble they cause...

...or about the beautiful flowers in Mandalawangi Valley.

American Soldiers are dying in Danang.

Babies are dying of starvation in Biafra.

But if I am to die, let it be by your side, my sweet.

After years of living together and asking questions about life...

...that not even the devil could answer.

Come to me, my love...

...all of you who once cared for me and gave me sympathy and kindness.

Stand tall to face the sky and the darkening clouds...

A person who plants no crops, will never lose a harvest.

The best fate is to have never been born.

The second is to have been born, but died young.

And the worst is to die of old age...

Happy are those who die young...

Little creatures, born from nothing returning to nothing.

Be happy in your nothingness.

Soe Hok Gie died from inhalation of poisonous fumes...

...on Mount Semeru in December 1969.

His journal was first published in 1983.

President Soeharto, Soekarnois successor...

...remained in power for 32 years.

In 1998, a new wave of student demonstrations...

...brought down his regime.

Soe Hok Gie's dream for a government free...

...from corruption and partisanship of any kind has yet to be realized.