A lamentable tragedy

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