Draft:Jeremy Kewuan
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Comment: See WP:BLP. Statements, starting with the date of birth, need to be sourced or removed.External links should also be removed or converted to inline citations where appropriate. Greenman (talk) 20:07, 8 June 2025 (UTC)
Yeremias Bayoraya Kewuan | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 26, 1982 |
| Nationality | Indonesian |
| Occupation(s) | Human rights activist, filmmaker |
| Known for | Advocacy against human trafficking and hereditary slavery in Sumba |
Yeremias Bayoraya Kewuan (born September 26, 1982) is an Indonesian human rights activist, filmmaker, and community leader, best known for his work advocating against human trafficking and slavery practices in Sumba, Indonesia. He is the co-founder of PRAKSIS, an NGO focused on strengthening democracy and human rights in Southwest Sumba, and has directed the documentary Slave Island, which exposes hereditary slavery in Sumba.
Early life and education
[edit]Jeremy completed his primary education at SDI Tanah Endang in 1995, followed by SMPK Ritaebang in 1998 and SMA PGRI Larantuka in 2000. He pursued higher education at Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana) in Kupang, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree (SH) in 2008. During his university years, Jeremy actively participated in student organizations, including serving as Secretary of the Gerakan Mahasiswa Nasional Indonesia (GMNI) Kupang branch from 2005–2006.
Activism and advocacy
[edit]Jeremy's activism spans decades, focusing on democracy, human rights, and social justice. In 2017, he co-founded PRAKSIS (Lembaga Penguatan Demokrasi dan Hak Asasi Manusia), an NGO dedicated to strengthening democracy and human rights in Southwest Sumba.[1]
The organization conducts activities such as:
- Research and data analysis on local issues
- Advocacy through media (print publications and documentaries)
- Collaborations with government institutions, NGOs, academics, and artists
- Legal education for communities
- Promoting social inclusion and equality in education, health care, and economic opportunities
PRAKSIS was officially registered with Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights in 2018.
Focus on women and children
[edit]Jeremy places significant emphasis on advocating for women and children affected by human trafficking and slavery practices. He collaborates with Yayasan Seraphine Sumba, an organization that works to prevent human trafficking while rehabilitating victims.
A podcast by SBS also highlights the issue of human trafficking in NTT, underscoring the importance of Jeremy’s ongoing advocacy work.
Through his YouTube channel, Jeremy publishes stories of abused children and women to raise awareness both locally and globally. For over a decade, he has also organized screenings across Sumba to engage local communities in discussions about systemic abuse.
Educating youth and organizing protests
[edit]Jeremy organized the first two mass protests against slavery on Sumba Island. These historic events introduced public demonstrations to the island for the first time, challenging deeply entrenched practices of hereditary slavery.
In 2024, inspired by Jeremy's efforts, local students independently organized their own Sumba Bukan Pulau Budak ("Sumba Is Not a Slave Island") protest on International Labour Day—a significant milestone for youth-led activism on the island.[2]
Jeremy frequently visits schools to educate students about human trafficking and slavery practices. He emphasizes the importance of connecting Sumba with global human rights discourses through international observances like Labour Day. He is currently planning a larger protest focused on the Day of Global Slavery Abolition but acknowledges that widespread poverty remains a challenge.
He also contributes to strengthening local journalism as a tool for democracy and advocacy, supporting initiatives such as journalist training workshops. His opinion essay on democratic space in the region was published in Timor Express NTT.
Additionally, he supports policy initiatives such as advocating for local legislation (Perda) for the protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) across every district in NTT.[3]
Filmography
[edit]Jeremy Kewuan co-directed the documentary Slave Island (2025) with Belgian filmmaker Jimmy Hendrickx. The film explores hereditary slavery practices on Sumba Island through the lives of three enslaved children—Witta, Rangga, and Kedo—who are held by their "master," Lucky. When 8-year-old Witta disappears after Kewuan returns her to Lucky following a trip to the city, he embarks on a quest to find her and confront Lucky.
The film had its world premiere at the Movies That Matter Festival in The Hague in March 2025.[4] It later won the Best Belgian Documentary award at Docville.[5]
The documentary reveals the physical abuse, trauma, and scars endured by these children while delving into the cultural mindset that perpetuates slavery. It highlights the enduring caste system in Sumba, where the Ata (slave class) remain subjugated under the Maramba (nobility), despite legal abolition of slavery.[6][7][8]
External links
[edit]- Jeremy Kewuan on IMDb
- Slave Island (2025) on IMDb
- Jeremy Kewuan's awards on IMDb
- Slave Island at Flanders Image
References
[edit]- ^ "RRI Talkshow – Peran Kaum Muda dalam Mewujudkan Pembangunan di Daerah". wlf.or.id. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Aliansi Masyarakat Peduli Kemanusiaan Desak Pemda Perhatikan Buruh". Suara Jarmas. 10 May 2022. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "NTT Lumbung PMI – Pemuda Katolik Usul Perda Pelindungan PMI di Setiap Kabupaten". pemudakatolik.or.id. 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Slave Island – Movies That Matter Festival". Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Slave Island – Winner of the Belgian Section at Docville". 4 April 2025. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Documentary Review: Slave Island (2025)". Asian Movie Pulse. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "The Irony of Slavery in Sumba". Kompas. 9 April 2025. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
- ^ "Slave Island – VPRO Cinema". Retrieved 2025-04-17.