By: Yudi Mandhira*
The Indonesian government has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, in line with the aspirations voiced by the 17+8 Movement. This movement, which encompasses various demands across political, economic, and security issues, reflects the public’s hopes for a more transparent, just, and legal-based governance system. In this context, the public’s demands are not merely protests or demands, but rather a call to ensure that every government policy is based on the rule of law, guaranteeing justice and prosperity for all Indonesians.
The demands put forward by the 17+8 Movement are not surprising, given the increasingly complex social and economic conditions. The response from various parties, from the President, the House of Representatives (DPR), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the economic sector, demonstrates the government’s commitment to seriously addressing the people’s aspirations while still respecting the rule of law.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that most of the demands made are relevant and rational. The formation of an independent investigative team to investigate Affan Kurniawan’s death is a step currently underway by the government. In other words, the government recognizes the importance of transparent and objective investigations into various cases that have caused public concern.
However, regarding demands to withdraw the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) from civil security, this requires further consideration, given the TNI’s crucial role in maintaining national security from the threat of terrorism and unrest that could disrupt national stability. Nevertheless, the government ensures that every decision will be made based on mature legal considerations, prioritizing the interests of the people and the state.
On the other hand, the response issued by the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) demonstrates concrete steps in responding to public outcry. The DPR issued six strategic decisions, including reducing allowances deemed irrelevant to the current economic conditions and a moratorium on overseas visits for DPR members.
These decisions were taken in response to the unrest arising from state spending deemed disproportionate to the people’s incomes. Internal improvements were implemented by halting financial payments to members suspended by political parties and strengthening coordination with the DPR Ethics Council to take action against problematic members. With this, the House of Representatives (DPR) demonstrates its readiness to listen to and act in accordance with the people’s aspirations, ensuring that existing policies prioritize the public interest and not the interests of particular groups.
The Head of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Information Center, Brigadier General Freddy Ardianzah, stated that the TNI greatly appreciates the various input provided by the public, including demands related to reducing the TNI’s role in civilian security. The TNI emphasized that it fully respects civilian supremacy and is ready to implement all policies established by the state. In this way, the TNI demonstrates its commitment to always prioritizing the interests of the state, while respecting the principles of democracy in Indonesia. This also serves as concrete evidence that the TNI is ready to work within the applicable legal framework, while remaining focused on its primary duty of maintaining national security.
The National Police, through the Head of Public Information for the Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, emphasized that the National Police remains committed to listening to the public. The National Police stated that they are not anti-criticism and will continue to conduct internal evaluations. In this regard, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is committed to maintaining public security and order in a more professional manner, while ensuring that policies are not only based on authority but also on justice and the rule of law.
The government has also shown serious attention to the economic demands that are a key component of the 17+8 Movement. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized that the government is prioritizing measures to encourage inclusive economic growth, such as deregulation to prevent mass layoffs, protection for contract workers, and providing tax incentives for low-wage workers.
The government’s second-semester stimulus program will also involve labor-intensive sectors, credit subsidies, and social assistance aimed at ensuring public welfare. Amidst global challenges, these measures demonstrate that the government continues to prioritize public welfare through targeted economic policies.
Political parties have not remained silent in responding to these demands. The Golkar Party, the Democratic Party, and the National Awakening Party (PKB) have demonstrated their commitment to reviewing the demands.The bill is being taken seriously, with several parties, such as the National Awakening Party (PKB), already declaring their readiness to push for the ratification of the Asset Confiscation Bill in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). This bill is one of the key demands of the 17+8 movement, and PKB has promised to open a dialogue to find the best solution for all parties.
Overall, the government and all elements of the state have demonstrated their commitment to upholding the rule of law in every decision they make. The responses from the President, the DPR, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the economic sector demonstrate that the people’s aspirations voiced through the 17+8 Movement are being met not only with words but also with concrete steps that support the people. This demonstrates that the government is striving to ensure that every policy it adopts prioritizes not only political stability but also social justice and the rule of law, the foundations of the Indonesian state.
)*The author is a legal observer