By: Syahroni Nasution)*
Recently, the public has been confronted with the narrative “Indonesia is Anxious,” which has been trending on social media and in street demonstrations. This narrative has evolved from mere social criticism into a potentially dangerous form of agitation threatening national stability. Without a clear basis, emotional opinions spread wildly, fueling anxiety and unrest among the public. In such situations, the government is taking tactical and strategic steps to maintain public calm, strengthen literacy, and prevent the nation from falling into the trap of detrimental provocation.
Freedom of expression is guaranteed in a democratic system. However, the expression of aspirations should be done constructively, not through actions that are more agitational than educational. The narrative of “Indonesia is Anxious,” for example, appears to be overly hyperbolic in many respects and lacks scientific basis. The demands often fail to address the root of the problem, instead creating new polarization within society.
The government has responded to this development not with a repressive approach, but rather by strengthening public literacy capacity. The Ministry of Communication and Informatics, along with various other relevant ministries, has actively initiated digital and media literacy programs, involving community leaders, communities, universities, and non-governmental organizations. The goal is to build a society that is intelligent in filtering information and able to distinguish constructive criticism from destructive agitation.
The initiator of the National Conscience Movement (GNK), Habib Syakur Ali Mahdi, believes that emotional movements that use social media as a primary means of disseminating ideas are highly vulnerable to infiltration by anti-constitutional groups. He emphasized that Indonesia is currently in a crucial phase of government transition that requires stability, not chaos. Habib Syakur urged all parties to maintain public sanity and refrain from divisive rhetoric.
Meanwhile, the Prabowo-Gibran government transition process is proceeding within democratic and constitutional boundaries. The ambitious vision of Golden Indonesia 2045 is being designed and formulated through an inclusive approach involving various stakeholders. This process will not proceed optimally without the support of a calm, rational, and participatory public.
Muhammad Chaerul, a researcher from the Center for Islamic and Ethnic Studies (CIE), emphasized that in the current situation, efforts to build national stability should be supported, not undermined by mass mobilizations that offer no real solutions. He argued that citizens should oversee the smooth transition to government, rather than complicating it with emotional narratives that confuse the public.
Stability is a crucial foundation for the success of any government. Without stability, various welfare programs, infrastructure, education, and even digital transformation will be hampered. This situation will ultimately have a negative impact on the people themselves. Therefore, maintaining a conducive social climate is a shared responsibility, not solely the government’s responsibility.
In the context of student movements, questions arise as to whether idealism remains the primary foundation, or has it been replaced by pragmatic political interests. Hasan, an activist from Corong Rakyat, highlighted that most movements carrying the hashtag “Indonesia Anxious” appear to be driven more by emotion and viral opinions than academic study. He criticized the current student movement as starting to lose its direction, becoming a political tool, and losing its identity as a campus intellectual group.
The government has not turned a blind eye to public concerns. Instead, it has continued to open public communication channels through discussion forums, seminars, and dialogues with civil society. These forums have become productive spaces for dialogue, replacing street protests or misleading narratives on social media.
Furthermore, the government’s digital literacy program extends beyond outreach. These activities are strengthened by training and active involvement of young people, including school and university students, to become literacy agents in their communities. This is crucial for strengthening the community’s resilience to hoaxes, disinformation, and provocation.
Healthy criticism remains necessary in the dynamics of democracy. However, valuable criticism is one that provides data and solutions, delivered in a dignified manner. Democracy is not a stage for noise, but rather a rational forum for finding solutions. The government is not deaf to public opinion, as long as it is delivered within the framework of legal compliance and public ethics.
Under the leadership of Prabowo-Gibran, the Indonesian nation is being led towards a major leap forward as it celebrates 100 years of independence. They will face significant challenges together, from economic resilience to social transformation. This requires synergy between all elements of the nation, not fragmentation driven by provocative narratives.
It’s time for the public to take an active role in development in a healthy manner. Maintaining a rational public space, strengthening literacy, and channeling aspirations through legitimate channels are wise steps in guiding this nation towards a bright future. The government has demonstrated its commitment to providing sustainable solutions; it remains to be seen how the public responds with maturity and responsibility. Don’t let provocation dominate the national narrative. It’s time to unite for a more peaceful, stable, and advanced Indonesia.
)* The author is a social observer
