People extend their support for students' demands for reform

JAKARTA (JP): Students have constantly claimed their protests speak for the people. But what do the people think? Here are the views of some employees, small traders, executives and others:

* Margiyanti (pseudonym), civil staffer at Jakarta Military Command:

I appreciate what students have done so far. For a long time these youngsters have only been asking for money from their parents for books, clothes and playing around.

They've now proved they're not ignorant and that they do care about what happens around them. But can't they understand that "reform" cannot happen overnight.

Although we all know who's to blame and why circumstances are getting so difficult and irrational, protesting is not our way... rallying on the streets and yelling here and there, calling names; it's not polite at all.

* Karidun Pardosi, a public relations officer in Jakarta:

I agree with demands for political reforms. It has been too long, 32 years, for a president to rule. Now it is time... to make way for the younger generation.

Now we are facing not only an economic crisis but political crisis too. And to achieve reforms I think we have to support student demonstrations. That is the most effective way, since the current system of expressing our aspirations does not work.

But I think the demonstrations should be better organized and get the support of the public.

* Paul, a teacher of a private junior high school in Tangerang, West Java:

The students are right to organize demonstrations. Since all means of expressing public aspirations can no longer function effectively, people hinge their hope on students to pressure the government to make reforms.

I do hope that student demonstrations escalate to a large extent and get the support of all people. With such a condition, I think the government will end up with no choice but to make political and economic reforms.

But we ask students to be careful in pursuing their demonstrations. They have to avoid the involvement of irresponsible groups who only seek to damage their image.

* Mia Koesoemo, director at Jakarta's representative office of SLS Communicatie Group:

Protesting students? Let them be. They're supposed to do that as we know circumstances have driven them to do so.

It's impossible to stop them now. As long as they don't disturb others by rallying on the streets and damaging passing cars or disturbing passersby.

I have been back here for six months after years in New Zealand. So I can learn a lot of things from the ongoing protests.

I can understand if students continue to hold protests as they feel the direct pinch of the crisis. The value of the money their parents send has dropped drastically.

About two weeks ago, one of my relatives' house was broken in by a student who claimed he had to do that because he had been fired from his part-time job while he was still going to university, his mother was ailing and his younger brothers and sisters had to struggle to survive. It's really sad to hear that.

So, I think, with that example, I can understand why students go on protesting. Everybody wants a change and, for me, to renovate a house is actually easier than building a new one, if it's not too late.

* Ginting, photocopy shop owner in front of North Sumatra University in Medan:

If this (demonstrating) keeps on going we will be out of business soon and then it is us on the streets. I've had my house pelted by stones. Both students and security people have caused damage here.

* Windi (pseudonym), female employee of Science and Technology Research Center (Puspitek) in Serpong, Tangerang, watching a rally by students of the Indonesian Institute of Technology in Serpong:

It's all right if students voice their concerns on campus grounds. What they are saying and demanding are all true like increasing prices but they shouldn't go onto the streets. Our houses are nearby here, and who knows what could happen.

* Hendra, 43, employee of a state-run company in Bandung, West Java:

What students are doing is bridging public aspirations with the authorities. I'm sure students know what the public wants because they live with them, except maybe their political demands. People just hope these difficult times will get better.

If there are destructive acts during the protests, the perpetrators should be arrested. But authorities should not label students as criminals.

They are our own children who will inherit responsibility for this country. So don't randomly hit out and arrest them, it's their ideas which should be grabbed and responded to.

* M. Fauzi, 47, entrepreneur in Bandung:

The government should not perceive student protests from an emotional point of view. They should understand what is behind all this so they can ... make proper decisions.

Life is hard now, and I think the government knows the troubles almost all citizens face. Besides deciding on what to do in the long term, the government should immediately act to alleviate hardships, like how to overcome soaring prices.

I think students really understand this, maybe they look at what their own parents are facing. So the government and students should struggle together to end this crisis as soon as possible.

* Suharjo, book seller at Johar market, Semarang, Central Java, watching a nearby rally by students of a privately run bank academy:

The protests are natural in this time of crisis which squeezes all of us. If the public is allowed to join protests on campus grounds, I would like to join.

* Sumadi (pseudonym), former employee of a home industry producing shoes in North Semarang:

What students are voicing are facts of life.

If you are hungry you can get angry quickly. The home industry where I worked has been forced to close down. And look at these wallets... I've had to steal to make ends meet.

* Zainal, doctor at a Semarang hospital:

I support the protests so long as they just involve students. What they voice are in line with my aspirations, so the protests are OK as long as they do not lead to any form of destruction. They can go onto the streets, hopefully in cooperation with security personnel.

* Karsam (pseudonym), police sergeant guarding a student protest in Semarang:

I personally think these demonstrations are necessary, as the crisis has also affected police families, but they must not lead to destruction or be influenced by outsiders.

But it's tiring to guard these demonstrations from morning till late afternoon. I wish students would just sit down so we could have a drink too.

There's a greater chance of a clash with security personnel if they march onto the streets.

Students should also ask councilors or even the police precinct chief to address rallies because the crisis affects everyone.

* Sri Tantowiyah, principal of an elementary school in Semarang:

If we all go hungry I would join the street protests, which would add weight to student demands. I really support the action by Karlina Leksono from the Voice of Concerned Mothers protest (in Jakarta). Mothers really have a headache trying to make ends meet.

* Habibah, housewife in central Semarang:

Personally I'm really in a difficult situation and agree with the students. But they must curb their emotions. The circumstances could lead to them being arrested randomly.

They should give the government a chance to handle the crisis. After all, the cabinet has only worked for a few months. I'm convinced the government would not sacrifice us all and our children. The most realistic thing to do is to tighten our belts and wait for the government.

I was a student too but students must be sure they make some calculations ... and they shouldn't forget to continue their studies. (team)