Reform heroes on the Website

Farewell, heroes of reform. The tragic deaths of our young colleagues Hery Hartanto, Elang Mulya, Hafidin Royan and Hendriawan Lesmana at Trisakti University on the evening of May 12, 1998, will always remain in the hearts of the Indonesian people.

This brutal action must not be repeated. In order to continuously kindle the spirit of settling problems without violence, I propose that related organizations, such as the Trisakti alumni association, or Trisakti University itself, build a monument for the heroes.

The monument could take the form of an Internet Website, that is, a communication media on a global, egalitarian and democratic scale, in line with the great ideas struggled for by the people, Indonesian students and the late reform heroes.

The technology and character of the Website make it possible to relate comprehensively to the tragic event through eyewitness stories, reminiscences of fellow students and teachers and speeches by reform activists. Pilgrims worldwide could also write their impressions on the Web memorial.

I know there is some controversy in my suggestion. There is a possibility that, at the Website, memorabilia like T-shirts, pins, pens, mugs, photos and other objects depicting the heroes will be sold. The objection may be that the fund-raising would be a "sadistic" endeavor because it commercializes the sadness of the families left behind.

This suggestion is based on good intentions. The funds collected in a transparent and professional way can be used for noble causes to honor our reform heroes. It might be possible to grant scholarships to students with high achievements to study at Trisakti University, mainly children of Armed Forces members.

Touching background stories such as the empathy and hard work of women and volunteers, tenaciously and unquestioningly keeping the logistics flowing for students at historical moments when demonstrating at the MPR/DPR building, show that our nation has extraordinary noble energy. It is their example that has generated this small suggestion with a view to a Web memorial for our reform heroes, in order that they be always remembered and made examples of.

BAMBANG HARYANTO

Solo, Central Java