Student on silence and hunger strike<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A student entered his second day of hunger and
\nsilence strike on Saturday at the University of Indonesia's
\ncampus in Depok, in protest of various human rights abuses.<\/p>\n
He began the strike on Friday at the House of Representatives
\nbuilding.<\/p>\n
Prastyadi Panca Putra, who has almost finished his studies at
\nthe school of social and political sciences at Airlangga
\nUniversity in Surabaya, taped his mouth shut in the lobby of the
\nHouse building. He has not opened his mouth to eat, drink, or
\nspeak since.<\/p>\n
Prastyadi has listed government shortcomings, the invasion of
\nwestern culture spearheaded by various foreign music stars
\nholding concerts in Indonesia and continuously escalating prices
\nas the reasons for his protest.<\/p>\n
His action at the House lobby attracted a lot of support from
\nmembers of the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi). Members
\nof the Indonesian Democratic Party faction accepted his written
\nstatement of protest.<\/p>\n
His action at the House lobby was stopped short by security
\nofficers.<\/p>\n
Iwan Pilat, a student activist from the University of
\nIndonesia, who accompanied Prastyadi, admitted that a lot of UI
\nstudents see Prastyadi's demonstration as absurd because he is
\nprotesting things that are hard to change. However, he supported
\nhis move. \"His method is a harmless way to express his concern
\nand he is ready to be martyr.\"<\/p>\n
Prastyadi is scheduled to continue his strike on the UI campus
\ntoday, hoping that other students will join him.<\/p>\n
Some UI students have responded by pointing out that Prastyadi
\nshould have told them first before striking on the UI campus.
\nThey are concerned about a possible confrontation with UI
\nsecurity officers.<\/p>\n
\"This is a peaceful demonstration. I will take all the
\nresponsibility for this strike and go on with it as long as it
\ntakes, until I die if I have to,\" Prastyadi said in his written
\nstatement. (23)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/student-on-silence-and-hunger-strike-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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