THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF TRISAKTI - May 12, 1998 Full Documentary

Summary

The video script chronicles the tragic events of the Trisakti Tragedy on May 12, 1998, during Indonesia's economic crisis. As the country faced soaring inflation and corruption under the Suharto regime, students protested for reform. The peaceful demonstration at Trisakti University was met with violent repression, resulting in the deaths of four students. Their sacrifice became a symbol of the nation's struggle for justice. Despite widespread unrest and Suharto's eventual resignation, the perpetrators of the violence remain unaccountable, leaving the wounds of Trisakti unresolved.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tragedy of Trisakti on May 12, 1998, occurred when four students were shot and killed by the military during a peaceful protest demanding reform.
• 😀 The economic crisis of 1997-1998 in Indonesia, triggered by the financial turmoil in Thailand, led to massive inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty.
• 😀 Protests against President Soeharto’s regime escalated as economic conditions worsened, with students leading the charge for reform and political change.
• 😀 By early 1998, the Indonesian government, led by Soeharto, was facing a severe crisis due to rampant corruption, political instability, and rising discontent among the people.
• 😀 Student protests grew larger, with demonstrations taking place across various cities, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Medan, calling for President Soeharto’s resignation.
• 😀 On May 12, 1998, the situation at the Trisakti University protest escalated when students were confronted by military forces, resulting in a deadly confrontation that left four students dead.
• 😀 The military’s brutal response, including the use of live ammunition, marked a turning point in the protest movement, leading to further unrest and violence across the country.
• 😀 The Tragedy of Trisakti became a symbol of the harsh treatment of protesters by the regime, sparking additional protests and demands for justice from students and the general public.
• 😀 The aftermath of the incident saw widespread riots, looting, and racial violence, particularly targeting the Chinese community in Jakarta, highlighting ethnic tensions and social unrest.
• 😀 Despite the resignation of President Soeharto on May 21, 1998, the perpetrators of the killings during the Trisakti tragedy were not held accountable, with many seeking justice that remains elusive.

Q & A

What event does the script primarily focus on?

The script primarily focuses on the Tragedi Trisakti, which occurred on May 12, 1998, where four students were shot and killed during a peaceful protest demanding reform in Indonesia.

What were the main causes leading up to the Tragedi Trisakti?

The main causes leading to the Tragedi Trisakti were the economic crisis in Indonesia, political instability, widespread corruption, and the increasing discontent with the authoritarian regime of President Soeharto.

How did the economic crisis affect Indonesia in the 1990s?

The economic crisis in the 1990s caused a sharp devaluation of the Indonesian Rupiah, rising inflation, and increased unemployment, leading to widespread hardship and disaffection among the population.

What were the demands of the students during the May 12, 1998 protest at Trisakti University?

The students were demanding government reform, an end to corruption, and the resignation of President Soeharto. They called for a total reform of the political system.

What was the response of the Indonesian government to the student protests?

The Indonesian government, under President Soeharto, responded with repressive measures, including violent crackdowns, the use of security forces, and even the use of live ammunition against the protesters.

What happened during the incident at Trisakti University on May 12, 1998?

On May 12, 1998, after a series of protests and confrontations with security forces, the situation escalated when police opened fire on the students, resulting in the deaths of four students and injuries to many others.

Who were the victims of the Tragedi Trisakti, and what happened to them?

The victims were four students from Trisakti University: Elang Mulia Lesmana, Hafidin Royan Harry Hertanto, and Hendrawan Si. They were shot and killed by security forces during the protest.

What was the aftermath of the Tragedi Trisakti in terms of public reaction?

The Tragedi Trisakti intensified the protests, leading to widespread riots, looting, and violent clashes between protesters and security forces across Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta and Medan.

How did the Tragedi Trisakti impact the political landscape of Indonesia?

The Tragedi Trisakti became a turning point in the Indonesian political landscape. It spurred mass protests that eventually led to the resignation of President Soeharto on May 21, 1998, ending his 32-year rule.

What legal actions were taken regarding the Tragedi Trisakti killings?

Despite evidence showing that the victims were shot by live ammunition, those responsible for the killings were not held accountable. Only lower-level security officers were prosecuted and sentenced to prison, while those who gave the orders were not punished.