Burhanuddin ZR

Born in a Muslim family from the village of Kauman (now the Surakarta region, Central Java ). He graduated from high school, moved to Yogyakarta and entered the law faculty of Gaja Mada University .

At the university, Burkhanuddin ZR joined the Muslim Students Association ( HMI ). Under the influence of Nahdatul Ulama was imbued with hatred of communism as a force hostile to religion. A special impression on him in 1962 was the fatwa of the ulama of South Sumatra , which outlawed atheist communism. Burkhan called for a ban on the student organization of the KPI , hung up posters of the appropriate content. At the request of Communist students, Burkhan was expelled from the university ^[1] .

On September 30, 1965, the Untunga pro-communist group attempted a coup d'etat . The response was a powerful anti-communist campaign, including the massacre of members and supporters of the KPI .

Burkhanuddin ZR joined the Muslim militants KAP Gestapu , who rose at the call of Subhan ZE . Actively involved in clashes and killings. He used a two-meter sword and an ax, in connection with which he received the nickname Burhan Kampak - Burhan Ax ^[2] .

The group to which Burkhan belonged operated in the vicinity of Yogyakarta and throughout Central Java. After several days of fighting and reprisals, parachutists Sarvo Eddie arrived, who armed the militants with firearms, organized the military and issued a kind of “license to kill” (demanding, however, evidence that everyone killed is a member of the CPI). It is interesting that, according to the memoirs of Burkhanuddin ZR, Catholic students from KAMI were appointed commanders of Muslim youth ^[3] .

Burkhan Ax showed extreme cruelty and courage, during one of the clashes helped General Sintong Panjaytan to escape ^{[4] [5]} . He is seen as a prominent participant in dramatic events ^[6] . In a 2016 interview , Burkhanuddin ZR found it difficult to answer how many Communists he killed, since “there were too many of them to count” ^[7] .

After the defeat of the KPI and the overthrow of Sukarno, Burkhanuddin ZR entered the service in the Indonesian army . He served in the elite special forces regiment RPKAD ^[2] (until 1967, the unit was commanded by Sarvo Eddy). Then he worked as a radio journalist ^[8] . He was a supporter of the “new order” of President Suharto , especially in terms of tough anti-communism.

In 1998, amid an acute socio-economic crisis, Suharto was forced to resign under pressure from mass protests. The new authorities significantly softened the anti-communist course. In the mid-2000s, talk began about revising the assessments of the events of 1965-1966 (although there was no talk of legalizing the KPI). This caused a sharp reaction of the right anti-communist forces. Army circles and right-wing Muslim organizations warned that they would not allow violations of the laws prohibiting the Communist Party and Marxist-Leninist ideology. The activation of right-wing radical forces began. In Yogyakarta, the movement in defense of the anti-communist foundations of the “new order” was led by Burhanuddin ZR ^[9] .

In January 2007, Burhanuddin ZR founded the Anti-Communist Front of Indonesia ( FAKI ). The organization’s goal was to protect the principles of Punch Strength and repulse all manifestations of communism and neo-communism ^[10] (communism refers to the organizational and political heritage of the KPI , and neo-communism - left and left liberal forces). The main objective of FAKI is to prevent the legalization of KPI and communist ideology ^[11] . Burkhanuddin ZR warned that he was ready to use any means for this ^[12] .

The organization is built on a paramilitary type, reminiscent of KAP Gestapu and KASBUL . Members have a black uniform, sometimes carry weapons, and often come to stocks on motorcycles ^[13] . FAKI activists attack meetings of leftist organizations, former communists and their relatives; the most famous beating is October 27, 2013 ^[14] . Burkhan Ax considers the motives of the relatives of the victims as a desire for revenge, which cannot be indulged. Moreover, the power structures of Yogyakarta belong to Burkhanuddin ZR and his associates rather with sympathy ^[15] .

FAKI members also hold their political meetings and historical events. They support the “new order”, protect the memory of Suharto, recall the cruelty of the Indonesian Communists (in particular, the coup of 1948 and the assassination of generals - national heroes in 1965 ) ^{[16] [17]} .

If they cannot be stopped in another way, then they will have to be destroyed. Before they attack our people for the third time.
Burhanuddin ZR ^[2]

In his public speeches, Burkhanuddin ZR categorically rejects any attempt to justify the KPI and blame anti-communists for the bloodshed of the mid-1960s. It should be borne in mind that these historical disputes are an actual conflict for Indonesia, an important part of the political process, leading to serious unrest and physical clashes ^[18] .

The government saved Indonesia from a bloody communist coup. When the communists were released from prisons in the 1970s, people accepted them. This was national reconciliation. But if they try to revive communism, we fight back.
Burhanuddin ZR ^[19]

In the 2014 presidential election , the FAKI supported the candidacy of General Prabovo Subianto , nominated by the right-wing Muslim coalition. ^[20] However, the center-left Djokovi won. The possible apology of President Djokovi for the events of 1965-1966 Burkhanuddin ZR previously called betrayal ^[2] .

The anti-communist front led by Burkhanuddin ZR actively participates in the activities of right-wing Muslim associations and socio-populist unions, especially anti-corruption ones ^[21] .

Burhanuddin ZR lives in Yogyakarta, educates grandchildren. Keeps a portrait of Suharto in the house and a red beret of a PRKAD special forces soldier. He calls the army special forces his second family.

Proudly advertises his participation in the events of 1965-1966, likes to tell the details of the battles and killings ^[22] . Events in general and their role in them are uniquely appreciated. He categorically rejects any claims and doubts. He does not recognize the reprisal of the KPI as a violation of human rights, since "the Communists violated the rights of people earlier and worse . " Once again, he confirmed his position in an interview with reporters on September 30, 2017 , on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the events ^[23] .

My principle: it's better to kill than to be killed.
Burhanuddin ZR ^[3]

The political views of Burkhanuddin ZR are regarded as national populism and Muslim conservatism ^[24] .

• Anwar Congo
• Husni Tamrin
• Giapto Surjosumarno