South Tangerang, May 21, 2024 - Syarif Hidayatullah State University Jakarta held a National Seminar on Reflection of Indonesia's 26 Years of Reform on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The event took place at Abdul Ghani Theater, Faculty of Adab and Humanities, featuring Colonel Cajian Dr. Kusuma, M.Si from the Defense University of the Republic of Indonesia (UNHAN) as the guest speaker, with Nurul Azizah, M.Hum., acting as the moderator.

The seminar was opened with remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, M.Hum., who gave an overview of reflections on the student movement. Furthermore, the Head of the Islamic History and Civilization Study Program, Dr. Zakiya Darojat, M.A., explained some important events in the student movement.

Dr. Kusuma started the session by sharing her personal experience in the student movement in the 1990s and the experience of the conflict in Lebanon. She quoted Lewis A. Coser's view that describes students as individuals who are never satisfied with the status quo, always doubt the existing truth and continue to seek a deeper and broader understanding. He also emphasized that students tend to express themselves by opposing injustice and abuse of power.

He also highlighted the long history of the student movement in Indonesia, from the pre-independence era with organizations such as Budi Utomo, Perhimpunan Indonesia, to the post-independence era with the formation of the Indonesian Student Association (PPMI) in 1947. Notable events such as the 1970 student demonstrations in Jakarta over the increase in fuel prices and the 1997-1998 student actions demanding Soeharto's resignation are also highlighted.

Dr. Kusuma explained the relevance of student demonstrations in the modern era and identified some of the challenges faced, such as the lack of focus on addressing root causes, the search for recognition and popularity, and the breakdown of solidarity within the student movement.

He offered solutions to overcome these challenges by encouraging students' active role in reform. Dr. Kusuma emphasized the importance of awareness and education for students to become agents of change and educators in society. Students are also encouraged to engage in advocacy and political influence as advocates for positive change at the political level.

In the question and answer session, Dr. Kusuma answered a question from Tati Hartimah, Lecturer at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, regarding the revocation of the Abri Masuk Desa program and its impact on students' knowledge of historical movements. Dr. Kusuma explained that although the program was revoked, the Tentara Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD) program is still active, involving the TNI in the development of villages. He also regretted the lack of student progress in implementing reforms after the 1998 era.

The National Seminar on the Reflection of Indonesia's 26 Years of Reform is an important platform to reflect on the role and contribution of students in the nation's history. Dr. Kusuma reminded students of the importance of awareness, education, and real action in fighting for reform and positive change for Indonesia.

(Nadiyah Ulfa/ Hilya Maylaffayza/ Dhimas/ Rifda)