Challenges of political rehabilitation in post-new order Indonesia: The case of Gerwani (the Indonesian Women's Movement)

Abstract

Due to the strong stigma associated with Gerwani (the Indonesian Women's Movement), very few women imprisoned in connection with the 1965 coup attempt have published their memoirs, despite the demise of the Suharto regime. Through an analysis of the memoirs of two Gerwani women, this article analyses how these authors re-evaluate Indonesian history. It assesses how they have negotiated dramatic changes since the time when they were politically active. In the last 40 years, Indonesia has largely rejected socialism and embraced capitalism. Religion has also become more prominent, thereby making it imperative for these women to rebut allegations of immorality.