Lecture Notes on the People of Ketilbong and Indonesian Student Movement

Introduction

• Repetition of identity: "We are the people of Ketilbong! We are one nation!"

Context

• Economic Crisis (1998):
  • Indonesia faced severe economic hardships.
  • Rising unemployment and inflation led to discontent with the government.
  • Suharto's leadership faced criticism for corruption and ineffectiveness.

Student Activism

• April 1998: Students organized massive rallies for:
  • Fresh elections.
  • Effective measures to address the economic crisis.
• Historical Context:
  • Previous student uprisings from 1980 to 1996.
  • Ongoing struggle against government repression.
• Initial Demonstrations:
  • Started on university campuses, later moved to the streets despite military restrictions.
  • Trisakti University incident escalated tensions.

Trisakti Tragedy

• Trigger Event:
  • Students marched towards Parliament, leading to violent confrontations.
  • Resulted in widespread rioting and casualties.
  • Suharto’s inability to control the situation led to his resignation.

Aftermath of Suharto's Resignation

• Transition of Power:
  • Suharto resigned in favor of Vice President Habibi.
  • Initial student jubilation turned to disappointment with Habibi’s administration.
• Continued Demands:
  • Students rejected the new government, calling for true reform and representation.

Military Response

• Dual Function of the Military:
  • Army’s role in maintaining internal security led to violent responses against demonstrators.
  • Military viewed students as enemies of the state.

Student Unity and Struggles

• Calls for Unity:
  • Students emphasized collective action against government corruption.
  • A commitment to not surrender until their demands were met.

Special Session of Parliament

• Protests against the Special Session:
  • Students demanded true representation and reform measures.
  • Escalating violence as the military responded to protests.

Rising Tensions

• Semanggi Cloverleaf Incident:
  • Clashes turned deadly as military fired on demonstrators.
  • Comparisons to earlier tragedies highlighted the increasing risks of protest.

Call for Revolution

• Shift in Strategy:
  • Students moved from calls for peaceful reform to outright revolution.
  • Frustration over treatment of demonstrators motivated this shift.
  • Increased willingness to confront security forces head-on.

Conclusion

• Legacy of Student Movements:
  • The struggle for reform and the demand for accountability continues.
  • Awareness of the need for unity and solidarity among students.
• Final Note:
  • Despite government oppression, students showed resilience and determination to fight for their rights.