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