The Trisakti Tragedy - 12 May 1998

Thirteen years ago, 12 May 1998, four students of the Trisakti University, Jakarta, were shot to death while they were demonstrating against the 32-years old authoritarian government of President Soeharto.

Until this moment the death of those students i.e Elang Mulia Lesmana, Heri Hertanto, Hafidin Royan, dan Hendriawan Sie is still a mystery, no thorough investigation has made on the shootings. 

However, the facts at the scene of Crime show that they were shot in vital parts of their bodies i.e. either in the head, or neck or chest. Which means that the shooting was done Snipers i.e. specially skilled persons who were well trained and armed to shoot from long distance.

Considering that civilians who own firearms in Indonesia are very strictly limited, I believe that only certain people has Sniper Skill in Indonesia. But this does not necessarily mean that the shooting was done by Indonesians, there is also a possibility that it was done by foreigners hired by some people here.

Considering that witnesses to the Trisakti Tragedy are getting old, some have even died, I hope that there will be an open and thorough investigation to reveal this tragedy in the near future. Otherwise it would always be a mystery.

Are Students more dangerous than FPI?

In response to the demonstrations by thousands of people who protested the first anniversary of the second term of President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono in several Indonesian cities yesterday,  the Police have used tear gas, water cannon and fire arms.

In Jakarta, the Police has shot the leg of Farrel, one of the hundreds of students of the University of Bung Karno who take part in the demonstration.

This response is different from the Police's reaction on the violent protests often carried out by a group of vigilante who call themselves the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).

Considering the above, I wonder whether the students are considered to be more dangerous than FPI ?

Please find below an article about yesterday's incident that I have quoted from The Jakarta Globe.

Questions, Rage Over Police Shooting of Menteng Protester
Zaky Pawas, Nurfika Osman & Armando Siahaan | October 21, 2010

 

An Indonesian policeman blocks student protesters during an anti-government protest in Jakarta on Wednesday. Police defended their use of firearms and the shooting of a student by stating that they acted in self-defense. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Jakarta. Indonesian Police admitted to firing shots at protesters following a demonstration that turned rowdy on Jalan Diponegoro in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. 

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Boy Rafli Amar said officers at the scene felt cornered because demonstrators had turned brutal.  READ MORE ..

Under Pressure

It seems that people are the same, no matter who they are, whenever under pressure.

Caricature : Courtesy of The Jakarta Post.

28 January Protest

Thousands of students, workers, NGO activists held demonstrations in Jakarta and others cities in Indonesia today to protest against the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono (SBY) which celebrated its 100th days in office.

The topic of their protests are the same i.e. wide spread corruption, Bank Century bailout, series of injustice, poverty, et cetera, et cetera. Besides, they demanded the resignation that those responsible for the allegedly mysterious bailout of Bank Century i.e. V.P Boediono and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani.

In Jakarta, the protests were held at the Presidential Place and the People's Representative Council.
 
Although there were reports of burning of effigies and photos of SBY and Boediono, and Police arrest of some violent demonstrators, however in general they have been quite peaceful. Thank God!

For detailed media reports, please clik here, here and here.

I am glad that the protests went quite peacefully, thanks to the protesters who were able to control themselves and the security officers for not over reacting in doing their duty.
I hope that the camaraderie and energy for said protests can also be used for other purposes which would bring much more benefits to our society, such as campaigning cleanliness, maintain environment, healthy life, et cetera, et cetera.

Photo: Courtesy of Detik.