May 1997
Increasing numbers of Indonesians are daring to oppose the government despite the harsh penalties.

27 year old Budiman Sudjatmlko's story epitomises the growing opposition to Surharto's rule as well as the fate which awaits those who speak out. In his final courtroom appearance Budiman gives a dramatic and colourful performance to a packed gallery of family and supporters. Handing out flowers to the judges of his case, he announces his lack of faith in the Indonesian justice system. Members of his PRD party clap and cheer shouting "Democracy or Death". Budiman's parents watch from the public gallery as, instead of making a plea, Budiman reads a four hour critique of the government. Only the judges, in danger of falling asleep, and the prosecution remain unmoved. Back in court to hear his sentence he refuses to stay to hear the verdict. In the crush his mother rushes to embrace her son for the last time. Outside he climbs onto a vehicle in a defiant show of bravado. Riot scenes on the streets show not only the radicals are fed up.