Trisakti shootings

The Trisakti shootings (Indonesian: Tragedi Trisakti [ˈtraɡədi triˈsaʔti], literally "Trisakti Tragedy") occurred at Trisakti University, Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 May 1998. At a demonstration demanding President Suharto's resignation, soldiers opened fire on unarmed protestors. Four students, Elang Mulia Lesmana, Heri Hertanto, Hafidin Royan, and Hendriawan Sie, were killed and dozens more were injured. The shootings caused riots to break out throughout Indonesia, eventually leading to Suharto's resignation.

The Indonesian economy suffered in 1997 and 1998 due to the Asian financial crisis. The value of the Rupiah plummeted, with a record exchange rate of 2,682 rupiah per US$ by 13 August 1997 and continuing to free-fall.

By 1998, hundreds of students from universities across the country were demonstrating calling for President Suharto's resignation. A 16 May 1998 demonstration at the Bandung Institute of Technology saw 500 demonstrators, and by March larger demonstrations had occurred at the University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada University. On 9 May 1998, a police officer, Dadang Rusmana, was reported to have been killed at a demonstration at Djuanda University.

A planned non-violent protest against the Suharto government started at Trisakti University on 12 May 1998. By 10:00 WIB, over 6,000 students, lecturers, and staff had assembled in the university parking lot. The demonstrators began by lowering the Indonesian flag to half mast.

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