Provocation on campus

Provocation on campus

From Suara Karya

Recently student demonstrations have become all the rage again, especially at the People's Consultative Assembly/House of Representative (MPR/DPR) in Senayan. Some of the students taking part in the demonstrations wear jackets from state and private universities in Jakarta as well as outside Jakarta. They were, among other things, criticizing the government.

It is unclear whether the demonstrations were the results of the true political beliefs of the students or the provocation on university campuses by certain parties. But the students are definitely backed by certain parties. It seems impossible for the students to come from outside Jakarta to Senayan without financial support, transportation, accommodation and perhaps pocket money from certain parties. But the problem is who these certain parties are.

As a citizen who more or less follows the country's political developments, I just do not know how this could possibly happen. Is it true that students can be bribed? But in the current messy conditions of the country, such money politics seemingly cannot be avoided. It is quite possible that such practices have penetrated university campuses.

I suggest that students be careful. In expressing your opinion of our political problems, do not be trapped in the net of "campus provocateurs" whose goal is to confuse the current situation. If you are so trapped, you might "blame the right and justify the wrong". As prospective intellectuals, do not be easily tempted by certain "tantalizing promises" which in fact will bias your ideals. And this problem should be accurately observed.

The students should try to contemplate more seriously whether by taking to the streets they can overcome the nation's problems. I think, for the time being, students had better occupy themselves diligently with their studies.

MRS. ENDANG PRIMASTUTI

Jakarta