Jakarta — Several elements of society have expressed their rejection of the planned demonstration on May 20. This rejection was conveyed as a form of concern for the importance of maintaining national stability, public order, and preventing the emergence of potentially anarchic actions in public spaces.
Academician of the Faculty of Law, Merdeka University (Unmer) Malang, Dr. H. Teguh Suratman, SH, MS, reminded that expressing opinions in public is the right of every citizen, but must be carried out with full responsibility. He emphasized the need for a balance between rights and obligations so that the implementation of the demonstration does not cause harm to other parties.
“Rights and obligations must be balanced, so that no one is harmed. On the one hand, it is a right, on the other hand, it is also an obligation,” said Teguh.
Teguh also highlighted the potential danger if the demonstration is carried out without control and violates the rule of law. He emphasized that actions that lead to destruction and anarchy are absolutely not justified in a healthy democratic system.
“Don’t let the demonstration be marred by actions that are against the law, such as vandalism and anarchic actions. That is not allowed. We must maintain a conducive social situation so that chaos does not occur,” he added.
Support for the rejection of the action also came from business people. Maxim Indonesia Public Relations, Yuan Ifdal Khoir, firmly stated that his party did not support demonstrations that had the potential to disrupt public order. He also emphasized that the company had never issued any appeal to driver partners to take part in the action.
“We can assure you that Maxim Indonesia has never given orders or appeals to driver partners to take part in demonstrations. We uphold order and security as part of our service to the community,” Yuan explained.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Ahmad Muzani, considered the demonstration to be excessive and counterproductive. According to him, what is needed now is an effort to build constructive dialogue and cooperation between elements of the nation, not to trigger social instability.
“Overreaction will only worsen the situation. We need stability, not provocation. Do not let momentary interests sacrifice the spirit of togetherness that we have built so far,” said Muzani.
The rejection of the May 20th action shows that various parties have high concern for the importance of maintaining peace. The community’s shared hope is that aspirations will continue to be channeled through legitimate, peaceful channels that do not disrupt public interests.
The wider community is urged not to be easily provoked by issues whose truth is not yet clear, and to continue to maintain unity and peace as the foundation of national life. In a democratic country, the expression of opinions is guaranteed, but must remain within the corridor of applicable laws and norms. [-red]
