Sejarah Berdarah KRISIS MONETER INDONESIA (Peristiwa MEI 1998)

Summary

From May 13 to May 15, 1998, Indonesia experienced one of its darkest moments, sparked by the Asian financial crisis and the killing of four Trisakti University students during protests on May 12, 1998. This tragedy ignited widespread demonstrations and riots fueled by frustrations over the oppressive New Order regime, corruption, and economic inequality. Anti-Chinese sentiments grew, leading to violent unrest across the country. As protests escalated, students demanded reform, culminating in the resignation of President Soeharto on May 21, 1998, marking a significant turning point in Indonesia’s political history.

Takeaways

• 📉 The Asian financial crisis of 1997 severely impacted Indonesia, leading to inflation and economic instability.
• 😢 The Trisakti tragedy on May 12, 1998, where four students were shot and killed during a peaceful protest, sparked nationwide unrest.
• ⚖️ The oppressive dictatorship under the New Order regime, marked by human rights violations, censorship, authoritarian control, and corruption, fueled public frustration.
• 📈 Indonesia's economic collapse saw the rupiah's value plummet from Rp 2,600 to Rp 14,900 against the U.S. dollar, worsening inflation and unemployment.
• 👨‍🎓 Student-led protests began in December 1997 and gained momentum by February 1998, spreading from cities like Yogyakarta and Surabaya to Jakarta.
• ⚠️ Ethnic Chinese Indonesians became targets of violence and discrimination due to economic disparities, with anti-Chinese sentiment rising amid the crisis.
• 🚶‍♂️ The May 12, 1998, peaceful protest turned violent when police opened fire on students, even as they retreated, leading to widespread anger and demonstrations.
• 🔥 The aftermath of the Trisakti incident saw mass riots, looting, and destruction, spreading from Jakarta to other cities, including Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi.
• 🎓 On May 18, 1998, students and activists from across Indonesia converged on Jakarta, calling for reforms and demanding President Soeharto's resignation.
• 👋 Facing overwhelming opposition, President Soeharto resigned on May 21, 1998, and was succeeded by Burhanuddin Jusuf Habibie.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in Indonesia during May 13th to 15th, 1998?

A series of events that led to widespread unrest and violence occurred, including the financial crisis that began in 1997 and the tragic shooting of four students from Trisakti University during a peaceful demonstration on May 12th, 1998.

How did the financial crisis in Asia affect Indonesia in 1997?

The financial crisis led to a severe devaluation of the Indonesian Rupiah from around Rp 2,600 to Rp 14,900 against the US dollar, causing a sharp economic downturn with increased prices for basic needs, higher unemployment rates, and increased dropout rates.

What were the main causes of the heavy human rights violations during the New Order government in Indonesia?

The main causes included oppressive dictatorship, mass opinion suppression, authoritarian control, kidnappings, detention of community figures, and rampant corruption, collusion, and nepotism.

How did the economic disparity between ethnic Chinese and indigenous Indonesians contribute to the unrest?

The economic disparity led to the ethnic Chinese community being perceived as more stable and strategic, which in turn resulted in them being subjected to various accusations and slander, such as being communist supporters and hoarders of food, leading to increased resentment.

What was the outcome of the peaceful demonstration on May 12th, 1998, by students and staff?

The demonstration ended tragically when police opened fire on the returning students, killing four from Trisakti University, and injuring many others with tear gas and continued gunfire.

Who were the four students from Trisakti University that were killed during the demonstration?

The four students were Hendriawan Sie, Hafidin Royan, Heri Hartanto, and Elang Mulia Lesmana.

How did the tragedy at Trisakti University spark further unrest?

The tragedy ignited widespread anger and led to demonstrations and riots that started around the Trisakti University campus and spread to other areas including Bogor, Tangerang, Bekasi, and other cities.

What was the initial focus of the student demonstrations before the tragedy at Trisakti University?

The initial focus of the student demonstrations was to protest against the government's corruption, collusion, and nepotism, and to demand reforms in the Indonesian government system.

What was the turning point that led to President Soeharto's resignation?

The turning point was when 14 ministers of the Cabinet Development VII (seventh) refused to serve in the Reform Cabinet that President Soeharto wanted to form to stabilize the situation, leading to his resignation on May 21st, 1998.

Who succeeded President Soeharto after his resignation?

Burhanuddin Jusuf Habibie succeeded Soeharto as the President of Indonesia following his resignation.

How did the initial protests against the tragedy shift in sentiment during the unrest?

The initial protests, which were against the tragedy affecting students, were diverted into anti-Chinese sentiment, as indicated by the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM).