Blind Spots and Failed Performance: Abortion, Feminism, and Queer Theory

Abstract

The rise of an ecumenical women's peace movement during the 1998 political, ethnic, & religious crises in Indonesia, which resulted in increased violence against women, is discussed. In Indonesian Women's Responses to Violence: Towards an Alternative Concept of Human Security, Melani Budianta discusses peace rallies & interfaith prayers held in many cities from Aceh to East Timor to stress togetherness rather than differences. Acehnese women held a meeting to discuss security from a woman's perspective, despite threats to their lives. In Aceh's Women Show the Road to Peace: Reflections on International Women's Day, Carla Bianpoen tells of Acehnese women positioning themselves as a bridge to peace by rejecting both sides of the conflict. At a historic conference, women asked for military troops to withdraw & for a 30% representation of women in political decision making. In Indoneasian Political Transition, Democracy and Women's Movements: Experience and Reflections, Chushnul Mar'iyah gives an account of her experiences during this period as both a feminist activist & an academic. Her story includes the formation of the Indonesian Women's Coalition for Justice & Democracy. 4 References. L. A. Hoffman