The Razing of Jakarta
Five years have passed since Jakarta was rocked by riots, transforming the city into a frenzy of destruction and chaos. The Joint Fact Finding Team (TGPF) which investigated the tragedy recorded 1,200 deaths in various fires that swept the city, 8,500 buildings and motor vehicles either destroyed or damaged, and over 90 Chinese women and girls raped or sexually harassed. Now, five years later, an investigation initiated by TEMPO is uncovering new facts. Doctors and volunteers who have worked with those victims of rape speak of their continued suffering: one rape victim is now mentally ill, and others have given birth or chosen abortion. The TGPF's conclusions about mobs and riots are gaining ground. The tragic story of Jakarta in May 1998 did not occur naturally and unallied. A military officer has disclosed to TEMPO his disturbing account of events that had long weighed on his conscience. TEMPO interviews General Wiranto and Prabowo regarding that fateful afternoon, and reveals the recent findings of the TEMPO investigation team.
May 20, 2003
HIS name is Eng Liong Woen. One day five years ago, his heart was beating fast as he urged his motorbike to go faster. That afternoon, the skies above Jakarta were filled with black smoke. All along the road from Glodok to Senen, smoke poured out of shops. The burnt-out wrecks of cars lay across the road. Rocks and shattered glass littered the asphalt. On that day, May 14, 1998, the capital was engulfed in riots. Eng Liong, who worked in an e
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