Violent demonstration

Violent demonstration

From Jurnal Indonesia

I am perplexed by the latest actions of the university students. Why did they become increasingly violent, attack the apparatus and burn their vehicles? That should not be done by students who may be labeled as intellectuals.

During the reform era, students' demonstrations were held in an orderly manner and hence were more effective, which culminated in the stepping down of Soeharto who had ruled the country for 32 years.

The present demonstrations are frightening. They could lead to physical contact which could cause untold casualties.

I wish that the students would be wiser and more mature in their actions, and not become overwhelmed by emotion and anger. The students will lose people's sympathy by resorting to violence and society will ridicule them.

HELENA TUANAKOTA

Pamulang, West Java