The background of this novel is rooted in the historical events of May 1998, a time of significant turmoil in Indonesia. During this period, the nation faced severe economic challenges due to the Asian financial crisis, leading to widespread unrest and social tension.
In major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan, violent riots erupted, with reports of targeted attacks on the ethnic Chinese community. Amidst the chaos, reports of sexual assaults and widespread lootings further heightened tensions and deepened the trauma experienced by the affected communities. Women and girls, in particular, were vulnerable to such attacks, facing the dual threat of violence and discrimination.
These allegations of violence remain a contentious issue, with the government yet to fully acknowledge them as legitimate historical events.
Against this backdrop, my fictional characters navigate their own stories, set within the context of real historical events. While their experiences are imagined, they reflect the struggles faced by many during this tumultuous period.
As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with the uncertainty and upheaval of the times, their lives intersecting with the broader currents of history. Through their perspectives, we gain insight into the human impact of these turbulent events.
The background of this novel serves as a reminder of the complex realities of history and the power of fiction to explore and illuminate them. It is within this historical context that our characters’ journeys unfold, offering a lens through which to understand the events of May 1998 and their enduring legacy.
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