By: Yolanda Pradhanty
As Indonesia prepares to commemorate Heroes Day on November 10, the spirit of maintaining peace and public order becomes a shared responsibility of all elements of the nation. This historic moment is not only a time to remember the sacrifices of the heroes but also a reminder of every citizen’s duty to uphold harmony and order in their communities. In this context, synergy between law enforcement and society plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, orderly, and peaceful atmosphere throughout Indonesia.
Polda Metro Jaya serves as a concrete example of how the police are committed to maintaining security while respecting citizens’ rights to express their opinions. The Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, Police Commissioner Budi Hermanto, emphasized that the National Police (Polri) consistently respects freedom of expression as long as it is conducted peacefully and within the boundaries of the law. Persuasive approaches are prioritized to ensure that public activities proceed peacefully and without triggering social friction. This reflects the police’s maturity in balancing civil liberties with public stability.
Central Jakarta Police Chief, Police Commissioner Susatyo Purnomo Condro, stressed the importance of self-control among demonstrators and speakers to avoid being easily provoked. For the security operation around the DPR/MPR Building, 1,464 joint personnel were deployed under strict instructions not to carry firearms and to prioritize dialogue and a humane approach. This reflects Polri’s modern policing approach—prioritizing the protection of citizens’ rights while maintaining public order. Thus, the commemoration of Heroes Day serves as a timely reminder for everyone that security is not solely the duty of law enforcement but also the result of active public participation.
Meanwhile, Polda of the Bangka Belitung Islands demonstrated a strategic approach through a dialogue between Regional Police Chief Inspector General Viktor T. Sihombing and religious leaders such as Pastor Agustinus and Father Marsel. The meeting symbolized strong collaboration between law enforcement and religious figures in maintaining social harmony amid diversity. During the discussion, Chief Viktor stressed that cross-community synergy is essential to strengthen social resilience and prevent potential horizontal conflicts. Religious leaders, he noted, have a fundamental role in providing moral and spiritual guidance to their congregations, ensuring they are not easily swayed by provocative issues that threaten national unity.
Pastor Agustinus stated that maintaining peace and order is a real manifestation of honoring the values of heroism. For him, the true heroes of today are those who bravely preserve peace, reject violence, and prioritize dialogue in the face of differences. Similarly, Father Marsel highlighted the importance of fostering gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and social empathy to build a caring and protective environment. The presence of interfaith figures in the dialogue underscored that security and order are not merely institutional duties but also a moral responsibility shared by all citizens.
Public involvement in maintaining order is the key to strengthening national stability. The police cannot work alone without the support of the community. In today’s dynamic social landscape, public participation can be expressed through simple actions—such as obeying regulations, refraining from spreading hoaxes, and courageously reporting potential security disturbances in their surroundings. Discipline and social responsibility form the foundation of an orderly culture, which in turn supports the nation’s progress.
At the same time, mass media and social media hold significant responsibility in maintaining a conducive atmosphere. In the digital era, public perceptions of security are often shaped by rapidly circulating information. Therefore, information dissemination must prioritize verification and education, not provocation. The public is expected to become smart consumers of information—resisting misleading narratives, especially in the lead-up to national moments like Heroes Day, which are sometimes exploited by certain groups to spread sensitive issues.
Heroes Day should serve as a reflection for all parties to continue the struggles of the nation’s forefathers through real contributions to peace and social stability. Today’s heroes are no longer those who take up arms, but those who uphold justice, maintain unity, and prioritize the nation’s interests above personal or group interests. In this context, citizens can become “social heroes” by promoting order in their communities, assisting law enforcement in maintaining security, and rejecting any actions that could lead to division.
Through a spirit of togetherness, respect for the rule of law, and active civic participation, Indonesia can continue to uphold order as a core value inherited from its heroes. A humane police force and a law-abiding society form the ideal combination for building a peaceful and harmonious nation. Commemorating Heroes Day is not merely about remembering the past—it is a momentum to strengthen national solidarity and reaffirm the collective commitment to maintaining order for a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Indonesia.
*) The author is a Social Observer