Women Support Women: Laras Faizati's Story Strengthened by Fellow Inmates During Her Case

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A former convict in an incitement case involving demonstrations, Laras Faizati, has shared her story of receiving support from other female inmates while entangled in the case. When she felt confused adapting to life in detention, many women embraced and helped her. Laras, who was accustomed to spending time with many people, suddenly felt cut off from the world she knew. She faced uncertainty, not knowing what to do. Laras did not know what to say in court. She was also haunted by questions about how long she would stay there. However, Laras was eventually able to endure five months behind bars with the help and support of other female inmates, especially the mothers. Even occasionally, she was fed by other inmates when she had no appetite. Laras admitted she was very impressed by the other female inmates who always made space to provide support for her. The woman, who once worked at the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, also felt she learned a lot from the inmates there. “They could still smile, calm me down, pray for me, feed me when they themselves were actually facing something very heavy. So I felt like women are so strong and resilient yet we are so selfless and we are so full of love,” she said. Laras admitted she had formed very good relationships with the inmates. This made her quite sad when she had to leave them. She faced mixed feelings of joy and sadness on the day she was allowed to return to her mother’s embrace. Laras recounted that when she returned from court to prepare for her release, she was greeted with cheers and hugs from the inmates.