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