Jakarta – As the commemoration of the G30S/PKI (Indonesian Communist Party) approaches, intelligence and terrorism observer Ridlwan Habib reminded all elements of the nation of the importance of maintaining national unity and resilience. He emphasized that this momentum should serve as a reminder of the dangers of division, necessitating collective vigilance to avoid those who seek to divide society.
Indonesia is currently recovering from the massive demonstrations that turned violent. He believes that the recovery process cannot stop at mere symbols but must be comprehensive, wisely accommodating the aspirations of the people.
Ridlwan highlighted the emergence of the “eat the rich” narrative, which has recently become widespread on social media, particularly among the younger generation. This narrative is considered dangerous because it mimics the pattern of the demonstrations in Nepal, which began with a spotlight on the lavish lifestyles of officials’ children amidst the economic crisis.
“If left unchecked, this has the potential to trigger social segregation and class conflict, as well as create the mistaken opinion that all rich people are evil and not based on Pancasila,” he said.
Indications of polarization are increasingly evident in heated debates on platform X. Many anonymous accounts are inciting people to imitate radical actions abroad. Ahead of the G30S/PKI, Ridlwan warned against distorting the issue by those seeking to undermine national solidarity. While Indonesian society remains tolerant, social media can backfire if exploited by certain groups.
He also believes the role of community leaders is crucial. President Prabowo has invited several senior figures to the National Conscience Movement, but a liaison or middleman is also needed to bridge communication with the younger generation, especially Gen Z.
Ridlwan explained that the relevance of classical communism has changed. Now, left-liberal or anarcho-syndicalist ideas, which reject the legal order and demand absolute equality, are gaining popularity. These ideas have begun to attract the interest of some young people and have even given rise to discussion groups and even street protests.
“Communism in its organizational form may no longer exist, but the wild ideas of the younger generation must still be monitored. The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Early Warning Forum, can play a crucial role in mitigating potential vulnerabilities in the region,” he said.
Furthermore, Ridlwan assessed that the previous series of demonstrations were inextricably linked to efforts to delegitimize the government. President Prabowo himself had warned of indications of treason and modern terrorism aimed at instilling public fear and disrupting national stability.
To prevent this, he emphasized the need for a pentahelix approach, involving all sectors, from security forces and ministries to families. “Cross-sector collaboration is key to preventing Indonesia from becoming divided,” he concluded.
