The Darkest Month of May

The month of May in the year 1998 is one of the darkest month in the history of the Republic of Indonesia.

It started on 4 May 1998 when thousands of students in Bandung, Yogjakarta and Medan protested against the increase of fuel price by the newly re-elected government of President Soeharto, which quickly developed into nationwide protest against the 32 years old authoritarian regime.

On 12 May, four students of the University of Trisakti, Jakarta were shot to death by snipers causing the students' take over of the building of the House of Representative (DPR), followed by violence which targeted the businesses of Chinese minority ethnics, many of their shops and houses were destroyed and their females raped.

The most horrible thing was that at that time the security forces do not seemed to be available in Jakarta, therefore causing a big tragedy and many people died/injured and their shops/houses destroyed and looted by the rioters.

According to widespread rumors, the tragedy was masterminded by someone who had a powerful position in the Army ad closely related to Soeharto, therefore trying everything possible to defend and preserve his power.

On 21 May, Soeharto stepped down from his throne and hand over power to Vice President B.J Habibie.

Unfortunately, until this present moment, the tragedy is still a mystery. Those who were supposed to be responsible were still untouched by the laws. Even those who were officially supposed to be responsible for security at that time remain untouched by the law, and are now holding public offices.

Considering the above, I believe that if Indonesia wants to have a better condition, today and in the future, investigation of this tragedy should be re-opened and those responsible should be revealed and tried in the Court of Law. If the government do not want them punished, they can always be given them pardon.

Related media reports  :
- The Last days of President Soeharto (The Jakarta Globe)
- Indonesia Must Never Forget May Tragedy (The Jakarta Globe)
- Mei Pecas Ndahe (Ndoro kakung)

The Situ Gintung Tragedy

“ A mini Tsunami! “ that’s what some news media reported when a water dam broke down at Situ Gintung, an outskirt of Jakarta, last Friday, causing heavy flood to the surrounding area, flattened more than 300 houses and killed many people.

Kompas reported that until this morning, 98 people have died and 115 people missing. The National Search and Rescue Agency is intensifying search by conducting join operation with other government agency, the military and student organization.

The Jakarta Post reported that around 400 people have been evacuated to nearby hospitals. The Governor of Banten i.e.Ratu Atut, whose province covered the flooded area, was quoted as saying that the heads of each affected household would receive at least Rp 5 Million compensation.

This tragedy has seemingly made some politicians suddenly change their campaign agenda by including a visit to Situ Gintung. Inilah.com wrote that Vice President Jusuf Kalla was the first to visit the area on Friday morning, followed by President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono several hours later, as well as others later on.

I hope that the attention of the politicians would expedite the handling of this tragedy, therefore ease the suffering of victims.