Sujadi’s Blog

Ill be frank. Im new to blogging simply because the spare time that I have here in Jakarta I usually use for other activities. No need to go into details for now. You will find out in due course. So why am I doing it now? Hmm
good question. I was nudged by my friends at the office to share my experience and thoughts on Indonesia beyond what I produce in my daily news dispatches. So I agreed.

Thereve been daily protests and demonstrations across Indonesia the past few days following the Indonesian governments decision to raise fuel prices. Its expected. Anyway, demonstrations are common here after Reformasi part of democracy as some Indonesians believe. Ive covered many demonstrations since being posted here more than 3 years ago.But this time round the demonstrations are different.

I spent some time with 34 year-old Adian Napitupulu,  while producing the “Special on Reformasi- An Unfinished Agenda”. He was a student activist 10 years ago a militant one who clashed with security forces over a week in the streets of Jakarta. Now hes an urban legend among current student activists and ironically, a law grad. So they seek his advice on how to go about launching their protests against the governments move to raise fuel prices. I was there in his smoke-filled room on the night a month ago as Adian helped strategize for the young lads.

The last few days, I couldnt help but smile when I saw the students take to the streets and clash with riot police. It doesnt matter what the government has to say about the need to raise fuel prices. The students have long made up their minds. The current lot believe its their time to create history just like their predecessors did 10 years ago. I salute their activism and idealism. But someone may have forgotten to tell them that the times have changed. Yudhoyono is not Suharto. Maybe someone did tell them. But in Indonesia, youre not an undergrad unless you have gone out onto the streets fighting for a cause. Participating in demonstrations is part of their ECA.