25 TAHUN PERISTIWA PENDUDUKAN GEDUNG DPR

Summary

In May 1998, Indonesia experienced a political, economic, and security crisis. Students and activists across the country protested, demanding reform and President Soeharto’s resignation. The pivotal moment came when students occupied the Indonesian Parliament building for six days, demanding change. Their actions, supported by national figures, led to Soeharto stepping down on May 21, 1998. Despite the president’s resignation, the movement continued, leading to significant reforms in Indonesia's political landscape. The occupation became a symbol of student activism and the start of Indonesia’s reform era, with the Parliament still serving as a platform for the people’s voices today.

Takeaways

• 😀 The political, economic, and security crisis in Indonesia peaked in May 1998, sparking widespread protests demanding reform.
• 😀 After the Trisakti tragedy on May 12, 1998, calls for President Soeharto’s resignation grew louder.
• 😀 The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) played a crucial role in the reform movement, particularly in recommending Soeharto's resignation.
• 😀 On May 18, 1998, thousands of students began occupying the DPR complex to demand Soeharto's resignation.
• 😀 Students used a variety of methods to protest, with legal grounds focusing on the DPR, which had elected Soeharto.
• 😀 The protestors gained access to various rooms and corridors in the DPR complex, occupying significant spaces and staging performances like orations and poetry readings.
• 😀 On May 20, 1998, prominent national figures such as Emil Salim and Amien Rais supported the students’ movement.
• 😀 The protests continued into the night, with students sleeping in the DPR complex and growing numbers of supporters joining.
• 😀 On May 21, 1998, Soeharto announced his resignation live on television, fulfilling one of the protesters' demands.
• 😀 After Soeharto's resignation, BJ Habibie was appointed as the new president, but protests continued, demanding accountability from Soeharto.
• 😀 The occupation of the DPR by students ended peacefully, marking the culmination of a massive protest movement that initiated Indonesia’s reform era.

Q & A

What was the political and social context in Indonesia during May 1998?

May 1998 marked the peak of a political, economic, and security crisis in Indonesia. Students and activists across the country were actively demonstrating, calling for reform in various sectors, and demanding the resignation of President Soeharto. This period also saw violent riots, social conflicts, and a human rights crisis, including the Tragedy of Trisakti on May 12, 1998.

Why was the People's Representative Council (DPR) considered an important actor in the 1998 reform movement?

The DPR played a crucial role in the 1998 reform movement for two main reasons: firstly, it recommended that President Soeharto step down from his position, and secondly, the occupation of the MPR/DPR complex for six days by students served as a turning point, leading to regime change and the birth of Indonesia's reform era.

How did the students organize their demonstration at the MPR/DPR complex in May 1998?

On May 18, 1998, thousands of students gathered at the MPR/DPR complex. Initially, they demonstrated in the parking lot of the complex. They planned to stay until their demand for Soeharto's resignation was met, with students coming from various universities across Indonesia. The protest escalated when students occupied various buildings within the complex.

What actions did the students take while occupying the MPR/DPR complex?

During the occupation, students took control of several buildings, including the Nusantara 1, Nusantara 2, and Nusantara 3 buildings. They held speeches, protests, and artistic performances, including reading poetry and holding orations. Students also lobbied members of the DPR/MPR, including seeking support from political and academic figures.

How did prominent figures and academics support the student movement in May 1998?

Prominent figures, such as Emil Salim, Amien Rais, and others, as well as academics and artists, supported the student movement by coming to the MPR/DPR complex. They provided moral support through public speeches and orations, helping legitimize the students' cause and encouraging their fight for reform.

What was the outcome of the students' protests on May 21, 1998?

The students' protests led to a significant moment on May 21, 1998, when President Soeharto announced his resignation. This announcement fulfilled one of the students' main demands, leading to widespread celebrations among the students who had been occupying the MPR/DPR complex.

How did the students react to Soeharto's resignation announcement?

The students reacted with joy and celebration upon hearing Soeharto's resignation. There were tears of happiness, shouts of victory, and prayers of gratitude. Some students were also in shock, as they hadn't anticipated such a quick outcome.

Who succeeded Soeharto as President of Indonesia, and what did the students do afterward?

After Soeharto's resignation, BJ Habibie, who had been serving as Vice President, was inaugurated as the new president. Despite this change in leadership, students continued their occupation of the DPR complex, demanding an extraordinary session of the MPR to hold Soeharto accountable for his actions during his presidency.

What happened to the students after the occupation of the DPR complex ended?

On the morning of May 23, 1998, military forces requested the students leave the DPR complex. The students were safely evacuated using buses and trucks and returned to their campuses. The six-day occupation ended without any significant confrontations, and the students' demonstration was considered a major step in the reform process.

What lasting impact did the occupation of the MPR/DPR complex have on Indonesia?

The occupation of the MPR/DPR complex by students marked the beginning of Indonesia's reform era. It highlighted the role of the DPR as a space where the public could voice their concerns and aspirations. This period laid the groundwork for significant political and social changes in Indonesia, influencing future democratic developments.