JAKARTA – The demonstrations that ended in riots some time ago have drawn strong criticism from students, pupils, and youth who are members of the Indonesian People’s Solidarity Alliance (ASRI) and the Indonesian National Women’s Coalition (KNPRI).
They reiterated their rejection of all forms of provocation that divide the nation. They encouraged the peaceful expression of people’s aspirations and reminded them that democracy can only be safeguarded through dignity.
However, all efforts to convey these aspirations must be carried out by upholding order, filled with peaceful values, and with dignity.
The Coordinator of ASRI and KNPRI, Fikri, assessed that the riots that occurred during the demonstrations or protests only damaged the image of the struggle and caused great losses to the community.
“This is a despicable and barbaric act, and the attempt to pit the people against the police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces will only harm the people, damage the image of the struggle, and injure the spirit of democracy,” he said.
Fikri urged the government, particularly President Prabowo Subianto, to take concrete steps to restore social conditions. Fair, transparent, and impartial law enforcement is urgently needed, including an investigation into the intellectual actors behind the riots.
“We are confident and believe that the President is capable of carrying out his duties as Head of State in ensuring security, safety, and prosperity for all Indonesian people,” he said.
Similarly, the Head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, emphasized that the government respects freedom of expression, but the constitutional limits clearly do not extend to acts of vandalism.
“Freedom of expression is a constitutional right of every citizen, but the destruction of public facilities is not protected by law,” Hasan said in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, legal expert Henry Indraguna stated that attempts to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means are regrettable and must be rejected. He stated that public aspirations are guaranteed by law, but riots cannot be tolerated.
“Anarchic mass actions and vandalism that damage infrastructure can develop into social conflicts that disrupt national political, security, and economic stability,” Henry stressed.
