By: Dewi Agustina) *
The coalition for action to save Indonesia (KAMI) was formed by Rocky Gerung et al to criticize government policies. They unite with the excuse to save democracy in Indonesia. Whereas in fact, the community rejected their actions, because they were deemed not quite suitable for the pandemic conditions. Maybe WE are just looking for attention.
Rocky Gerung, Refly Harun, Said Didu, Din Syamsudin, and other figures formed an action coalition to save Indonesia (KAMI) earlier this August. WE were formed because its members felt uneasy about the condition of Indonesia, whose parliament seemed unable to control government policy. Because the portion of the opposition parties is only small compared to the pro government ones.
Donny Gahral Adian, the chief expert on the presidential staff’s office, stated that the coalition was legitimate and constituted a private opposition. Because they are outside parliament and not associated with the party. OUR existence is okay, because in the law all people can express their opinions. Because Indonesia is a democracy.
However, continued Donny, the community does not need a declaration to form a coalition like this. Because they need more solutions to solve problems. In that sense, don’t just blame the government but don’t get involved in the community. For example, giving donations to students who need cellphones because the school is online, helping layoff victims, and so on.
The public also agreed with Donny’s statement. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be nice to conduct more frequent fundraising to help victims of the corona storm. For example, buying up deserted street vendors, providing quota assistance for honorary teachers, helping MSMEs in online marketing, etc.
Isn’t it better to work and work than to show? President Jokowi has also provided a real example of staying diligent at work rather than just complaining and criticizing. As public figures, they should provide an example to the general public. For example, by inviting people to plant vegetables to cope with lower wages, etc.
The formation of this coalition seems like only a moment to ‘find a stage’ so that the popularity of its members will increase in the eyes of the public. They may just seek attention and scream with the excuse of upholding democracy. Even though the most important thing is not justifying the government’s steps (which they think is wrong), but helping to create a prosperous Indonesia.
If they want to save Indonesia, they don’t have to form a coalition action and be attended by dozens of people (plus journalists who cover). Because at that time the physical distancing rules could be cut and they wanted to sit side by side to show intimacy. In fact, it is feared that it will become a new corona cluster. They should respect the pandemic.
People are also politically savvy and know the maneuvers of politicians. Although they claim that this coalition is for the sake of Indonesia, it could only be a mode for their respective interests. It could be that the community sympathizes and will elect one of their members to become a presidential candidate, in the next 2024.
Muhammad Kapitra Ampera, a legal expert, stated that the formation of WE was full of political interests. Action on coalitions and their demands also tends to be unclear. The political aroma is very strong, although they refuse if the activities in this coalition are related to their respective parties.
The public knew they came from the opposition party and united to become a line of heartache, because their presidential candidate lost in the last election. To cover up his disappointment, the government was always under attack. This modus operandi is normal, so the coalition becomes a blunder because it fails to get sympathy. Especially during a pandemic, it is better if there is social action and donations than an unclear coalition.
The formation of a coalition of actions to save Indonesia has failed to get public sympathy. Even though WE say they are not a political movement, the people understand and think they are just looking for attention. The goal is to increase electability in the eyes of the public.
) * The author is a contributor to the Cikini Press Circle and Students