Trisakti to mark fatal student shooting

JAKARTA (JP): Trisakti University is scheduled to hold a commemorative ceremony this afternoon marking the 40th day since the death of four students in a shooting at its campus.

Selamat Jalan Sahabat (Goodbye, Buddies) will start at the campus at Jl. Kyai Tapa 1, West Jakarta, at 5 p.m. It is not open to the general public.

The spokeswoman for the event, Monika, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that activities would include the screening of documentary movies of the incident on May 12. The films were compiled by the students and renowned musician Harry Roesli, she said.

Musician Franky Sahilatua, musical group Gelombang Putih and poet Taufik Ismail are among artists invited to perform.

Monika said several campus buildings would be officially named after students Elang Mulia Lesmana, 20, Hafidhin Royan, 22, Hendriawan Sie, 21 and Hery Hartanto, 21.

"The rector himself is expected to confer the buildings with their names."

Students from 64 universities in Greater Jakarta had been invited to join the ceremony.

"Students who intend to participate are urged to wear their university jackets or show their student cards at the entrance gate. We also ask them to bring candles and black ribbons to be tied on their left arm," said Monika, who is also spokesperson for the university's student senate.

She said the university would not allow the general public to join the ceremony to prevent any likelihood of social disturbance. "Reporters who wish to cover this event should show their identity cards."

About 75 students will be deployed to maintain security during the event.

"I have no idea whether any police or military officers will also be on guard. But, Insya Allah (God willing), there will not be any trouble," she said. (ivy)