Suara Mereka yang Kembali dan Dikembalikan: Kisah Eks Tapol Perempuan 1965

by Amurwani Dwi L.

Tragedi 30 September 1965 bukan saja telah menyisakan luka bagi anak bangsa yang terlibat, melainkan juga menimbulkan dendam sejarah yang berkepanjangan. Persoalan tidak selesai begitu saja saat para mantan tahanan politik Gerakan 30 September 1965 dibebaskan setelah ditahan selama hampir 14 tahun. Proses adaptasi pasca-dilepaskan bukanlah hal yang mudah bagi mereka sebab ada memori kolektif yang telah terbangun di masyarakat. Stigmatisasi dan penolakan dari keluarga pun semakin menambah trauma dalam kehidupan mereka seharihari. Ada yang dapat kembali; ada juga yang tidak dapat menerima kenyataan. Buku ini memuat kisah mereka yang kembali dan dikembalikan, yakni eks-tapol yang dilesakkan ke masyarakat usai masa penahanan berakhir, serta cara-cara mereka berproses mengatasi kegamangan itu melalui ikatan-ikatan komunitas dan kesenian.

Genres: Feminism

408 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2023

Reviews

[Sheeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku ini membahas kehidupan para eks-tapol perempuan 1965 saat ditangkap, saat dipenjara, dan setelahnya. Kebanyakan isi buku menceritakan bagaimana respon masyarakat terhadap mereka yang telah dikembalikan ke masyarakat, dan bagaimana lembaga-lembaga masyarakat berusaha untuk memediasi para eks-tapol perempuan ini.

Kehidupan para eks-tapol perempuan 1965 yang telah dikembalikan ke masyarakat tidak lagi sama. Cenderung diasingkan, dijauhi, bahkan cenderung kehidupan mereka dipersulit. Karena hal ini, banyak eks-tapol yang memutuskan untuk menghilangkan masa lalu mereka, membuka identitas baru. Namun, berbagai cara dari pemerintah seperti pengawasan, penandaan, dan lain-lain tetap dilakukan meskipun mereka telah bebas.

Buku ini membawa kita kepada memori kolektif tentang kehidupan perempuan pada masa itu, bagaimana patriarki yang begitu meluas, dan semakin membuat para eks-tapol perempuan ini semakin sulit hidupnya pada masa orde baru, bahkan hingga setelahnya. Pun upaya rekonsiliasi yang dilakukan, kebanyakan diselenggarakan oleh yayasan atau lembaga yang dibentuk khusus untuk perempuan, atau oleh perempuan. Artinya, negara masih jauh dari kata "peduli" terhadap mereka. Negara masih menjadi "patriarki" bagi mereka.

[Aris Setyawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially drawn to this book due to a dedicated chapter on the Dialita Choir, I sought extensive literature on Dialita to serve as a reference for my thesis research. However, upon delving into the entire book, I discovered its comprehensive coverage of the unfortunate fate of female ex-political prisoners of 1965. The book chronicles the lives of these female ex-political prisoners from their arrest, incarceration, and subsequent reintegration into society.

Significant challenges marked the reintegration of these female ex-political prisoners into society. They faced isolation, social ostracism, and societal barriers that hindered their ability to participate in life fully. Consequently, many ex-political prisoners resorted to erasing their pasts by adopting new identities. However, despite their release, various government-imposed measures, such as surveillance and identification markings, persisted.

This book delves into the collective memory of women’s lives during that era, highlighting the pervasive nature of patriarchy and its detrimental impact on the lives of these female ex-political prisoners. Even during the New Order and beyond, the state’s efforts to address their concerns were largely confined to organizations or initiatives organized by women themselves. This suggests that the state’s actions and policies still reflect a patriarchal perspective, leaving these individuals feeling marginalized and underserved.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I learn MORE than my school books offered in specific history timeline which is 1965-1966. Brilliant.
- It explains comprehensively without overpopulated with words or information–perhaps in some ways it might br but I overcome it, lol.
- Provides background of the event, women affected, the lives behind the bars for the women, how they live after released, blood and tears effort to live safe & normal, etc.

[Alodia · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST READ OF 2024. I bought this book EVERYWHERE. When I say everywhere, I also mean the bathroom. I couldn't get my eyes off it. But it’s honestly sad to say that one of the best books I’ve ever read exists because such a tragic history happened.

I realized that everything I’ve understood about the 65 tragedy has only been surface-level, and I haven’t truly dug deeper into it. It is deeply disheartening to acknowledge that, even decades later, countless individuals continue to suffer mentally, socially, and physically as a consequence of the ruthless oppression inflicted by the government and its systemic injustices.

Reading this made me realize how important it is to re-learn and unlearn, just as much as it is to learn something new. Sometimes, understanding history isn’t about finding all the answers, but about being willing to see, to listen, and to feel with an open heart.

At the very least, their stories deserve to be heard, and the truth to be acknowledged.