Indonesian woman becomes a part time journalist in order to cover the anti-extradition bill protests, refuses to back down despite being shouted at constantly

Photo from the Ming Pao.

Article originally from the Ming Pao on 2019.9.19
Originally written by 馮樂琳, translated by Laichar

Every Sunday in the anti-extradition bill protests, domestic helper Yuli Riswati takes a camera out to take pictures, and so far has tasted tear gas in Sai Ying Pun and Causeway Bay, shwouted at by police, as well as beaten up by people on the streets. The 39 year-old Indonesian has worked in Hong Kong for 10 years, went from farming to becoming a domestic helper, and has published books and held a photo exhibition. In March this year she established the Indonesian-language online newspaper Migran Pos, and started reporting on the anti-extradition bill protests from the million-people demonstration march on the 9th of June, and has spread the message to Indonesians in Hong Kong, her family, and even to back home in Indonesia. All of this brings Yuli both joy and dilemma, as she sighs, "Hong Kongers toil for freedom. Back home in Indonesia there is democracy, but it doesn't work well. It would be great if Indonesians, too, embody the Hong Kong spirit."

With an 8-man team, Migran Pos upholds the principle of reporting the truth and only the truth

Migran Pos was established in March, at the eve of the Indonesian presidential and gubernatorial election. The website originally did not have a set topic; sometimes it was the new Facebook policy, sometimes it was the activities of the Indonesian consulate and expatriate Indonesians in Hong Kong. That was until the 9th of June, when the million-people march flooded Causeway Bay and sparked Yuli's interest. After that, in all the anti-extradition bill protests Yuli was present.

Yuli originally farmed the land in her home in Indonesia. In 2009 she went to Hong Kong to study writing and photography before and after her employment in the city. She had the idea of establishing an online news outlet, and recruited friends to join and participate. Unfortunately all of them only had one day to report and interview, and many of her friends couldn't stand it and quit. Currently the reporter team has "7+1" people, with seven Indonesian domestic helpers including her. The "+1" is an Indonesian television worker who resides in Hong Kong, who helps them live stream videos on weekdays, and provided the funds to set up the website.

Her heart stays with Hong Kong, and she pities those who are beaten up

On weekdays, Yuli is wrapped in various chores and can only write by taking time from her work, such as when she is at the toilet or walking to the market. For her personal safety, the protests on Sunday are managed by her two Cantonese-speaking friends. She says that she is prepared for any injury, and fortunately that did not happen.

On Saturday (8th September) when protesters marched to the American consulate-general in Hong Kong, someone hit Yuli when she was photographing, and said, "Why are you photographing the police, they are working!" When she looked behind, she saw an elderly woman, and did not say anything. Fortunately the people around her were able to pull the senior citizen away from her, as "she might be a bit unhappy". She has experienced police officers shouting at her, not allowing her to take photos, asking why she doesn't don a fluorescent vest. She said, "I am afraid of wearing it, because I am scared of being called a fake reporter, as I am not paid for my work." However, she is overjoyed seeing that her website gets more views, not just Indonesians in Hong Kong and their family, and is even recently reposted by Indonesian media outlets.

In these three months, Yuli has become exhausted both physically and mentally, and has had emotional ups and downs together with the Hong Kong people. "Every time I see people being beaten up, I feel sorry for them, and when I see families marching with their children, I become really moved and emotional", however, she still reminds herself that her reports should not contain her emotions. Seeing Hong Kongers marching for freedom and democracy every week, Yuli has felt them as deeply as her far homeland, and describes a weird feeling within herself. Again, "Hong Kongers toil for freedom. Back home in Indonesia there is democracy, but it doesn't work well. It would be great if Indonesians, too, embody the Hong Kong spirit."