For many activists, the idea of a pure student movement was always a myth. Some critics condemn the student movement as merely a training ground for budding politicians. That was not what Jimmy had in mind when he and thousands of other students occupied parliament in the so-called May Revolution of 1998. But other students feared the poor would trigger more riots and vetoed the proposal. As the two partners now reminisce about what they might have achieved, their sense of regret is palpable.
Some student groups say they still believe that they do represent a moral force for reform.
One of the first major student groups established in the heady early months of 1998, the trailblazing Forkot, or City Forum, movement says that being a moral force is its mantra. Bringing together street toughs from 28 colleges in Jakarta, Forkot says that it is neutral over whether Wahid should go or stay. Forkot's rock-throwing demonstrations against Suharto and the former ruling Golkar party have alienated communities wary of being venues for street fights. With the trademark toothless grin of battle-hardened protesters, Forkot spokesman Adian Napitupulu is unapologetic about the group's firebrand reputation. He blames police brutality for the group's reputation for readily hurling Molotov cocktails.