A lamentable tragedy

Media reports of the recent bloody incident at Trisakti University have prompted much reaction from almost every segment of society. Students staged commemorations on their own respective campuses and at Trisakti University in a show of solidarity for their dead colleagues.

The Trisakti tragedy is not only a sad event, but a shameful one -- and all the more so since it was shown on international television networks. Immediate reactions have come from Australia Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fisher and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

The demonstrations, which have become increasingly frequent and widespread lately, have caused the rupiah to slide ever deeper. On the Jakarta spot market, the currency fell to a low of Rp 11,150 per U.S. dollar before closing at Rp 10,900. At 9 p.m. Western Indonesian Time, the rupiah even touched a low of Rp 11,375 per dollar on the New York market. A similar downslide affected the stock market.

The Trisakti tragedy also directly affected foreign investor interest. According to State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng, two of eight parties who had expressed an interest in participating in the privatization of state-owned enterprises have even pulled out. This is easy to understand, since stability, besides economic considerations, is a major factor in attracting foreign investment.

We are deeply concerned and we share in the grief which this tragedy has caused. Students in their idealism naturally always yearn for positive change. Security officers, on the other hand, are duty-bound to maintain public security and order without killing the students' creativity and idealism.

We strongly disapprove of anyone who seeks to dominate or even destroy others for the sake of mere passing interests. This is an important principle to uphold because the right to life is every person's birthright.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta