Friday tragedy
Friday tragedy
My heart cried and my eyes misted over when I saw the
terrifying war-like scene on television on Nov. 13. It was a real
bloody Friday! The nightmare we feared -- a clash between
security forces and student protesters -- came true. The endless
sound of shooting, the kicking, the beatings and the punching
were all mixed on the "battle field", resulting in not only a
horrifying violent atmosphere, but also the deepest human agony,
the loss, the death and injuries among students.
I don't understand why some people have chosen a hostile and
vulgar way to solve conflicts. Ironically, protected in an ivory
tower, the honorable members of People's Consultative Assembly
looked casual and relaxed and apparently ignorant of the tension
outside.
Innocent people are always the victims of every political move
and conflict. The May riots and rapes are still fresh in our
minds. The Banyuwangi massacre remains a big question to be
answered. So too is the (Friday) Semanggi tragedy and the
outbursts the following day. I felt sorry when I saw on
television a captive policeman being kicked, punched and clubbed,
with blood all over his head, kneeling and asking for mercy and
protection. Brutality and violence evokes our concern no matter
who the victim is.
Why is violence allowed to happen again and again despite our
awareness of it always being innocent people who fall victim?
Life has been burdensome to all of us, especially to the little
people. Chaos, anarchy and endless uncertainties will take the
nation nowhere but further down the drain. Have people lost their
sense of belonging to the nation and togetherness as well as
brotherhood? Whoever it is -- the government, the students, the
intellectuals, the prominent figures, the opposition leaders --
all layers of people must aim for similar goals, i.e. to bring
the ailing nation to recovery, and to build a stronger and better
Indonesia. As Martin Luther King Jr said: "We all may have come
on a different ship, but we're in the same boat now."
The students who sacrificed their lives and the ones who have
struggled tirelessly to bring reform to the nation deserve an
honor. Young people are full of energy, potential and
aspirations. They are driven to bring justice and democracy for
the well-being of the nation. Consolidation among the current
government, students and opposition leaders to prepare for the
next general election is the best way to build the political
stability so crucial for economic recovery.
My deepest sympathy goes to the parents and to those who lost
their children and their loved ones in the tragedy. I know that
words do not suffice to bring about comfort at such a time of
sorrow. But I want them to know that their sacrifices will remain
in the hearts of the people who are looking forward to a better
and peaceful Indonesia.
JENNY LAURITZ KHOENG
Jakarta