Universitas Trisakti held a solemn ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, 2024, to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the May 12, 1998 Tragedy. The event took place on the university’s campus in Grogol, West Jakarta, and was led by the Rector of Universitas Trisakti, Prof. Dr. Ir. Kadarsah Suryadi, DEA. It was attended by university leaders, academic staff, students, alumni, families of the reform heroes, and several national figures.

In his address, the Rector invited all participants to remember and honor the sacrifice of four Universitas Trisakti students—Elang Mulya Lesmana, Hendriawan Sie, Heri Hertanto, and Hafidin Royan—who lost their lives during the May 12, 1998 tragedy while fighting for a better future for the nation.

“The events of May 12, 1998 mark a dark chapter in our history—one that must never be repeated. But from this tragedy, we learn the meaning of struggle, courage, and hope for a better future for Indonesia,” the Rector stated.

The ceremony was also attended by various national figures and institutional representatives, including the Governor of Lampung Province, Mr. Rahmat Mizarni Djausa; Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), Mrs. Aji Mirni Mawarni; Vice President for Environment at the Deputy of Finance and Commercialization of SKK Migas, Mr. Ufo Budiarius Anwar; along with regional officials and leaders of educational institutions under the Trisakti Foundation—namely, Trisakti Institute of Transportation and Logistics (ITL Trisakti), Trisakti Institute of Tourism (IP Trisakti), Trisakti School of Management (TSM), and Trisakti College of Media and Communication (STMK Trisakti). Their presence further underscored the spirit of solidarity and unity in commemorating the reform movement, a cause deeply embedded in Trisakti’s identity.

Following the ceremony, a flower-laying procession was held at four locations on campus where the students were shot, as a tribute to their sacrifice. The commemoration concluded with a group photo at the May 12 Tragedy Monument, symbolizing a collective commitment to preserving and carrying forward the spirit of reform for a more just and democratic Indonesia.