The Look of Silence

#LookofSilencePBS
PBS Premiere: June 27, 2016Check the broadcast schedule »

Take Action

  • Visit The Look of Silence official website (www.thelookofsilence.com) to find out about ways to get involved, including a campaign in partnership with Human Rights Watch addressing U.S. involvement in the genocide.
  • Take a close look at the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership agreement signed by President Obama and President Joko Widodo (www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/10/26/joint-statement-united-states-america-and-republic-indonesia). Examine the role that human rights plays in the relationship between the two countries. Share what you learn with your community, including your elected federal representatives. Let them know your views on incorporating protections for human rights in policy going forward.
  • Investigate the work being done by Indonesian human rights organizations today (see the Resources section). Consider ways to support their work.
  • Hold a public debate on whether or not the United States or U.S. based corporations that were operating in Indonesia should pay some form of reparations to the victims of Indonesia's 1965-66 purge. Share your conclusions with federal representatives.
  • Promote observance of the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims (March 24). Visit www.un.org/en/events/righttotruthday/ for more information. As part of the observance, examine The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (www.un.org/en/documents/udhr) and how it applies to current Indonesian policies.
  • In July 2014, Indonesia elected a new president (Joko Widodo), who promised to improve his nation's human rights record. Track his progress.