They believe in the raw power of photographic images and are suspicious of the written word, which they say has been corrupted by too many years of misinformation in the nation's press. To counter this and to raise public awareness, students stage exhibitions of their work. Last month, they paraded through Jogjakarta with graphic, blown-up images of clashes with security forces. For all that, the students recognize that things have changed under President B.J. Habibie. Newspapers and magazines carry pictures of atrocities in East Timor, Aceh and other troubled areas that would never have been published in the past.
Television is similarly emboldened.
Yet, even without a clear and immediate political goal, students remain committed to their self-appointed role as the archivists of the reform movement. This is part of our history. I hope my photographs will be seen by my grandchildren, by those who are yet to come, so they'll know it happened like this. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.