Sumarsih's Struggle Remains Unresolved Until Government Delivers Six Reform Agendas

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com: Human rights activist Maria Catarina Sumarsih has stated that her struggle will not end until the government implements six reform agendas. Sumarsih is the mother of Bernardinus Realino Norma Irawan, also known as Wawan, who died in the 1998 Semanggi I incident. “Until when will the struggle to continue Wawan and his comrades’ unfinished fight—the student movement alongside the people striving for Indonesia to become a democratic nation by demanding the implementation of reform agendas?” Sumarsih said in Kompas.com’s Gaspol! podcast, reported on Monday, 25 May 2026. She added that the government must implement maximum regional autonomy, uphold the rule of law, and create a government free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN). “I engage in these activities in any form to preserve the struggle for reform and democracy,” Sumarsih stated. She emphasised that whoever holds power must halt violence and honour their oath as stipulated in the 1945 Constitution. “There are two issues: first, Wawan has already been a victim. Second, if this struggle is not resolved soon, then I must continue to uphold the fight for reform and democracy,” Sumarsih said. “Black symbolises steadfastness. Steadfastness in love. To this day, I love Wawan, and that love inspires our family’s journey and pilgrimages,” she added.