I think 'The Act of Killing' forced people to look at the problem, but the problem is actually a state run by thugs, or a shadow state, a part of the state that's run by thugs, and a military that enjoys complete legal - not just impunity, but immunity.

In this quote, Joshua Oppenheimer, the director of the documentary The Act of Killing, reflects on the deeper issues that the film addresses regarding the Indonesian genocide. Oppenheimer suggests that the film made people confront the problem of a state run by thugs or a shadow state, where a segment of the government is controlled by individuals who use violence and fear to maintain power. The focus of his statement is on the unchecked authority and impunity enjoyed by the military in Indonesia, which not only escapes punishment for its actions but operates with complete immunity from legal repercussions.

Oppenheimer is highlighting the disturbing reality of how militaries in some regimes are allowed to operate without accountability, acting outside the boundaries of the law. He points out that the military and political elites who were responsible for atrocities in Indonesia were able to act with impunity—essentially being above the law—and were never held accountable for their actions. The immunity referred to here goes beyond simple lack of punishment; it signifies a state of affairs where even legal structures that are supposed to offer protection and justice are complicit in perpetuating violence and abuse.

The quote underscores the theme of institutional corruption and the danger of a military that is not held in check by democratic institutions or the rule of law. Oppenheimer’s film revealed how perpetrators of the genocide were not only unpunished but often celebrated as heroes, which speaks to the deep-rooted issues in the Indonesian government and military structures. This reflects a broader critique of how certain governments operate with unquestionable power and engage in widespread violence without facing consequences.

The origin of this quote is tied to Oppenheimer's work on The Act of Killing, a groundbreaking documentary that explored the impact of the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-1966. Through the film, Oppenheimer brought attention to the culture of impunity in Indonesia, where many of the perpetrators of these brutal killings remained in positions of power for decades. His statement reflects the shocking truths uncovered in the film and emphasizes the importance of accountability in such political systems.