Skip to main content

Anton Medan

Anton Medan (born Tan Hok Liang on October 10, 1957) is a former robber and gambling tycoon who converted to Islam and became a preacher in 1992. Prior his conversion to Islam, he grew up amid the dark politics of Indonesia. It was during the Suharto's New Order rule when gangsters were used in politics, bussiness and government agencies.


In 1998, Anton Medan was put as a scapegoat being the orchestrator of the Jakarta Riots after which the allegation was then quietly dropped. The riot, which was initially a student demonstration to protest against the Indonesian president Suharto, turned into an anti-Chinese demonstration in the capital Jakarta.

Anton Medan is of Chinese descent, but he took the street joining the riot to prove himself that he was loyal to the people or himself became a target. In the political turmoil of 1998, it was also reported that Prabowo Subianto, Suharto's son-in-law and the commander of Kopassus, had recruited and manipulated Anton Medan to gain millitant supporters.

During the investigation of the 1998 riot, Anton Medan denied the accusation that he was actively in role behind the scene, although he admitted that he was in the middle of the mob. However, he refused to testify unless the National Human Rights Commission rehabilitated his name first.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument) in Surabaya, Indonesia

 The Tugu Pahlawan, or Heroes Monument, in Surabaya, Indonesia, is a significant historical landmark commemorating the heroism of Indonesian fighters during the Battle of Surabaya. This battle, which took place in November 1945, was a pivotal moment in Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. Historical Background: After Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, the Dutch attempted to reassert control over their former colony. The British, who were in Indonesia to oversee the surrender of Japanese forces following World War II, found themselves in conflict with Indonesian nationalists who were determined to defend their newly proclaimed independence. The Battle of Surabaya began on November 10, 1945, when British forces, supporting Dutch interests, launched an attack on the city of Surabaya. The battle was triggered by a confrontation between the British forces and Indonesian fighters, including militias, students, and ordinary citizens, who res...
Post a Comment
Read more

Recipe: Ote-Ote (Indonesian Shrimp and Vegetable Fritters)

 ### Recipe: Ote-Ote (Indonesian Shrimp and Vegetable Fritters) History of Ote-Ote Ote-Ote, also known as *bakwan* or *perkedel*, is a popular Indonesian street food and snack that embodies the rich flavors and diverse ingredients of Indonesian cuisine. The dish is typically made from a batter combined with a variety of v egetables and proteins, such as shrimp or chicken, and then deep-fried until crispy. The origins of Ote-Ote are rooted in the traditional Indonesian culinary practices that blend local ingredients with influences from Chinese and Indian cuisines. The use of shrimp and vegetables in Ote-Ote reflects the abundant seafood and fresh produce found in Indonesia. The dish is commonly enjoyed across the country and often served at social gatherings and festive occasions. Over time, Ote-Ote has evolved with regional variations, incorporating different types of fillings and spices, but it remains a beloved and versatile dish in Indonesian food culture. #### Ingredients: - *...
Post a Comment
Read more

Wayang

Wayang is an Indonesian/Malay word for theater. When the term is used to refer to kinds of puppet theater, sometimes the puppet itself is referred to as wayang. "Bayang", the Javanese word for shadow or imagination, also connotes "spirit." Performances of shadow puppet theater are accompanied by gamelan in Java, and by "gender wayang" in Bali. UNESCO designated Wayang Kulit, a shadow puppet theater and the best known of the Indonesian wayang, as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on 7 November 2003.
1 comment
Read more