JAKARTA — The government, along with various elements of society, has unanimously urged the public not to be easily provoked by calls for demonstrations and all forms of provocation.
This is related to the rejection of the award of the title of National Hero to the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto, by a number of parties.
The appeal was made so that public order can be maintained amidst the strengthening political dynamics following the determination of the title through Presidential Decree Number 116/TK/2025 on November 10, 2025.
Authorities emphasize that differences of opinion are actually a very normal thing to happen and are part of democracy.
However, the delivery of aspirations must still be done through constitutional channels so as not to disrupt social stability.
The Chairman of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council, Dewa Made Mahayadnya, highlighted the potential for stowaways in the protest action.
“We accept aspirations, and we also accept other aspirations, but in an Eastern way,” he said.
“Therefore, all forms of demonstrations that have the potential to divide brotherhood must be avoided,” he said.
He emphasized that the process of determining the title of national hero had gone through various processes, a series of in-depth studies carried out by official state institutions so that the public was expected to express their opinions in an orderly and civilized manner.
The 13th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH Ma’ruf Amin, also called on the public to maintain calm and avoid anarchic actions.
“I also ask all levels of society to remain calm, not to be provoked, and not to get emotional so that this matter can be resolved as quickly as possible,” he said.
“Continue to maintain national unity and unity,” he said.
He urged the government to take swift and appropriate steps to prevent the spread of the action and ensure transparent law enforcement if violations occur.
The Indonesian Ulema Council also issued an appeal to the public to refrain from continuing demonstrations that could potentially damage public facilities and disrupt public order.
The Head of the Information and Communication Division of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Masduki Baidlowi, emphasized the importance of stopping actions that harm the public interest.
“When it causes damage, unrest, and hardship for the public, I think it must be stopped,” he said.
The government considers public participation in maintaining national stability to be a form of respect for the values of the heroes’ struggle.
All parties are urged to prioritize brotherhood, reject provocation, and ensure that differences of opinion do not escalate into potential social conflict for the benefit of the nation as a whole. (*)