XCVIII

The scars of the May 1998 riots in Jakarta remain etched in the collective memory, unresolved and unacknowledged. Over four days of chaos, from May 12-15, a nation fractured as violence erupted in Jakarta and beyond, ignited by the killing of four Trisakti University students during a demonstration to oust President Soeharto. The aftermath unleashed racially charged riots that devastated communities, leaving many ethnic Chinese-Indonesians as victims of targeted atrocities.

"XCVIII" is a bold and evocative dance theater performance that delves deep into the buried memories, unspoken trauma, and lingering wounds of this dark chapter in Indonesia’s history. Through visceral movements, haunting melodies, and poignant visuals, the performance confronts the silences surrounding the experiences of ethnic minorities, whose suffering has yet to find justice or reconciliation.

"XCVIII" invites audiences to reflect on the enduring impact of unresolved conflicts and the deep-seated traumas within society. It is both a memorial and a call to action, urging viewers to confront the past and envision a future where healing and justice are possible. Poignant, unapologetic, and profoundly human, "XCVIII" transforms the stage into a vessel of remembrance and resilience.