By : Aditya Akbar )*
People from various elements are required to channel their aspirations wisely in responding to recent decisions by a number of state institutions. Apart from realizing political stability ahead of the 2024 Regional Head Election and the arrival of Pope Francis to Indonesia, channeling aspirations wisely can show the maturity of Indonesian democracy.
A number of elements of society held a demonstration at the DPR/MPR Building on Thursday (22/8) to reject the Regional Election Bill. Even though they are in accordance with existing regulations, demonstrations carried out by a number of parties still need to be watched out for because they are vulnerable to being influenced by interest groups who can provoke the masses to carry out anarchist actions.
As is known, provocateurs will deliberately incite mass groups to cause damage, for example by burning tires and destroying public facilities. Demonstrations that start peacefully can end in chaos, even triggering riots. If there are riots and brawls, provocateurs can use them to overthrow legitimate power.
It is feared that provocations like this will lead to a return to the events of 1998. However, the situation is very different because currently the Government is opening up as many opportunities as possible to channel aspirations. However, the theme of the demonstration could have been diverted due to special whispers from the provocateurs.
Provocateurs can fish in murky waters and continue to encourage demonstrators to blaspheme the government and then damage public facilities. If chaos occurs, there is also concern that there will be mass theft, because the situation is already full of emotions. The city could burn because of demonstrations that continue to be instigated by provocateurs.
Channeling aspirations carried out in accordance with legal provisions is a real form of active participation in state life. Legal provisions governing demonstrations, expressing opinions in public, and other formal mechanisms such as submitting petitions, must be obeyed by every citizen. This is not only to maintain public order, but also to ensure that the message to be conveyed is well received by the authorities.
Compliance with the rules in channeling aspirations reflects the political maturity of a nation. When people are able to voice their opinions in an orderly manner, it not only strengthens their position in the eyes of policy makers, but also shows that they understand the responsibilities attached to their rights. Apart from that, compliance with the rules also ensures that the aspirations expressed are not misinterpreted as actions that threaten national stability.
Compliance with the rules in channeling aspirations reflects the political maturity of a nation. When people are able to voice their opinions in an orderly manner, it not only strengthens their position in the eyes of policy makers, but also shows that they understand the responsibilities attached to their rights. Apart from that, compliance with the rules also ensures that the aspirations expressed are not misinterpreted as actions that threaten national stability.
Regarding this matter, Police Commissioner. Ade Ary Syam Indradi as Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro said that the entire community should convey their aspirations coolly and peacefully. Apart from that, protesters are advised not to provoke while conveying their aspirations in order to maintain stability, security and public order (kamtibmas).
Not only that, he also hopes that every citizen who conveys their aspirations will remain guided by regulations in accordance with applicable law. His party also asked field coordinators (Korlap) and orators to give speeches politely and not provoke the crowd.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X said that community demonstrations should be carried out in an orderly manner and in accordance with applicable laws. The Sultan asked that the demonstration continue in a polite manner and that the masses could convey their aspirations clearly.
As is known, anarchist actions, which often start with provocation, can result in damage to public facilities, disruption of public order, and even clashes between the community and security forces. This not only endangers people’s lives and safety, but can also cause large material losses. Provocations that lead to anarchist actions often lead to chaos that is difficult to control, which ultimately harms all parties.
To avoid society falling into provocations that lead to anarchic actions, high awareness and adequate political education are needed. The public must be educated about the importance of channeling aspirations peacefully and in accordance with applicable regulations. They must also be given an understanding of how to recognize and avoid provocations aimed at dividing and creating chaos.
In the end, a healthy and stable democracy can only be realized if the right to express aspirations is balanced with an awareness of the responsibilities that accompany it. People must be aware that their every action has consequences, and therefore, they must act wisely and in accordance with existing regulations.
Channeling aspirations in an orderly and peaceful manner is a real contribution to maintaining state stability. By rejecting provocations and staying away from anarchic actions, people not only protect themselves, but also maintain the integrity of the nation and state. This is a shared responsibility that must be carried out by every citizen who loves his homeland.
)* The author is an observer of social and community problems