Thousand celebrate reform at Depok campus

DEPOK (JP): Under the sullen glow of moonlight and bamboo flares, some 10,000 people descended on the University of Indonesia campus in Depok Friday night, listening to music and casually exchanging views on the mood of reform gripping the country.

The spirit of reform was clearly in the air, but in contrast to often boisterous, albeit peaceful, protests held by students, a festive flavor imbued the gathering which brought students, activists, government critics and musicians together with residents of Depok who had swarmed to an open field to enjoy the free entertainment.

Such was the jovial mood of the proceedings that the planned discussions on reform were quickly overtaken by musical performances.

On the hilly ground surrounding the field, many sat in groups, chatting and jesting with each other.

The students, from various universities as evident in the various colors of school jackets, outnumbered the nonstudents by two to one.

The semblance of the reform movement was evident in the monolog discussions and vendors inviting people to show they were in the spirit of reform by buying headbands inscribed with "Peaceful Reform".

The event had been planned as a 12-hour gathering of music and discussions on reform.

It started at about 5 p.m. with four continuous discussions on reform covering the economic, cultural, political and legal aspects.

Experts who got to speak were economist Sri Mulyani, political observer Arbi Sanit, constitutional law expert Satya Arinanto and sociologist Selo Soemardjan. Each appeared in a "talk show" moderated by comedians Dono and Indro along with television presenter Ira Koesno.

Former legislator Sri Bintang Pamungkas, who, as a political prisoner, was released from jail on Tuesday, was seen mixing with the crowd.

"I just came here to enjoy tonight's performances," Bintang said.

Legal expert Todung Mulya Lubis, decked out in a suit and tie, was also happily chatting away.

He had originally been scheduled as one of the speakers, but he cheerfully ceded his time as spectators began shouting "Iwan...Iwan," insisting that popular folk singer Iwan Fals step on stage.

Other musicians who performed Friday night were Franky Sahilatua, Harry Roesli, Djaduk Ferianto, Oppie Andaresta and rock group Slank. Poets Putu Widjaja and WS Rendra also contributed with a few lines of prose.

Happy

While not everyone was happy that the "talk shows" were cut short, there was generally a sense of satisfaction that many could exchange views about the future of the reform movement and trade stories on the success of the student demonstrations in helping topple a 32-presidential reign.

"I wanted to hear more from the talk show. But the public, not the students, demanded Iwan," a disgruntled a student from Universitas Perintis Nasional (UPN), Anto, told The Jakarta Post at about midnight.

Arianto, the chairman of UI's Alumni Association of the School of Social and Political Sciences, admitted that many things did not go according to the program.

But Arianto, who helped organize the event, did not seem too displeased.

Sadono, an alumnus from the Surabaya Institute of Technology, said he had accompanied students who wanted to meet their colleagues and share their views about reform.

"We had an informal discussion with alumni from UI and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) on the current political and economic situation. We agreed that total reform means a reform in the system and we will make a concept on how such reforms can be accomplished," he said.

When asked about the night's gathering, Sadono simply said "I am happy to be here", while adding that it allowed people to talk freely within the confines of a formal discussion.

Ari, a final year junior high school student from nearby Bojong Gede, said he was there to experience the elation of the student reform movement.

"I wish to see an improvement in my family's economic life," said Ari when asked what he hoped he would get out of the reform movement. Ari was also there to kill time while waiting for his graduation announcement at his school the next morning.

Despite being planned to go on till 5 a.m. yesterday, droves were already making the long walk to the campus gates at about midnight. (ivy)