Reform heroes on the Website

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