By: Fajrin Hakim (Deputy National Coordinator Forum for Independent Social Media Activists)
This country was built on the basis of differences. Respecting differences is the key to creating peace. History records that the establishment of this country because it respects differences in ethnicity, race, religion, and between groups (SARA). Without this foundation, this nation undoubtedly cannot be separated from the bondage of colonialism. So, it becomes very ironic if the difference is still a spark of anger and animosity between fellow children of the nation.
The series of riots that occurred in Papua since mid-August, was actually triggered by the issue of hate speech that offended native Papuans.
Admittedly or not, the utterance of hatred triggered a long-standing problem felt by the Papuan people to want to separate themselves from Indonesia let alone third-party provocation both from outside and inside continue to be carried out with their own political agenda, namely to create Papuan instability.
On the other hand the riots that have occurred in Papua so far cannot be separated from the circulation of hoax information in the media. Many misleading news that accompany the current issue of Papua. Minister of Communication and Information Rudiantara said there were around 500 thousand URLs or website addresses that were detected to spread hoaks.
The misguided news was alleged to worsen the current conditions in Papua and West Papua. Because the content is not only false news, but also inciting and pitting sheep. This is where vigilance and togetherness are needed when fighting hoax news and expressions of hatred.
Of course we are very concerned about the incident. It turns out that the axis of hatred is still an acute disease in this republic. The national figure who always called for peace, apparently only reached the ears. But it cannot be internalized through behavior in daily life. We do not have the heart to witness when a nation full of tribal wealth, this race is scattered.
We should appreciate the heads of regions calling for peace. The Governor of East Java, Khoffah Indar Parawansa and the Mayor of Surabaya expressed their apologies for the incident. Such methods certainly become role models for all of us, that we must become a nation that is broad-handed. That is, tolerance is the priority rather than looking for who is wrong and who is right. Because with an apology, is expected to reduce emotions. But the question now is, why do citizens easily hurl racist-based SARA sentences to Papua?
To answer this, there are several things that need to be elaborated.
First, the loss of tolerance in the midst of national and state harmony. In the midst of diversity and multi-religious style, it was not matched by a high tolerance attitude. The attitude of tolerance only becomes a motto without being properly insulated through daily behavior. Let us return to our identity, which is our philosophy PANCASILA.
Second, the failure to understand our ancestral heritage is symbolized by the phrase “Unity in Diversity”. Precisely what is highlighted at this time in the public space is the attitude of arrogance and prioritizing tastes, me, you, and them. While “we are brothers” have not been able to become a way of life for the creation of national and state harmony.
If our heirs and founding fathers are still alive, of course they will cry watching their own people not respect each other. What they left behind has not been able to be highlighted properly through tolerant behavior and attitudes.
The Papuan Community Is Our Brother, safeguarding our brothers, just like protecting the diversity of Indonesia, the way to counter hoax news and propaganda is by the Positive Content Posting Movement in order to foster optimism Towards the Progress of the Nation.
Therefore it is fitting for the Indonesian people to learn from experience to maintain national harmony and always be aware of the efforts of foreign provocation and groups who want to break the nation’s Belsh. We are equal and siblings, so it is not appropriate to insult each other because after all Papua is Indonesia, We Are All Brothers, Let’s Make Peaceful Papua Without Hoaxes. Let’s fight against all kinds of misguided foreign hoaxes and propaganda.