By: Bayu Hidayat )*
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to approve the formation of an independent investigative team to follow up on the demands of the 17+8 people has drawn public attention and widespread appreciation. This step is seen as clear evidence that the government is serious about listening to the people’s aspirations and is committed to upholding justice and democracy.
The series of riots on August 25, 28, and 30, 2025, left deep scars. These incidents not only caused damage to public facilities and looting, but also resulted in loss of life. Ten people died, including Affan Kurniawan, who died after being involved in an accident with a tactical vehicle. This situation has raised widespread concern and prompted civil society, particularly the National Conscience Movement (GNB), to push for an independent investigation.
President Prabowo responded swiftly and appropriately. The NAM’s proposal to establish an Independent Investigation Commission was accepted directly by the Head of State during a meeting at the Presidential Palace. This affirmed that public aspirations were not only heard but also used as the basis for concrete policy.
Former Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, representing the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), assessed that the President demonstrated openness and sincerity in addressing public concerns. He argued that the formation of an independent commission was crucial to prevent student demonstrations, schoolchildren, and activists from being wrongly labeled as the source of unrest. He emphasized that expressing opinions in public is a constitutional right of citizens guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution. Therefore, a truly independent and objective investigation is needed to distinguish the peaceful aspirations of the people from the anarchic actions of certain parties.
Lukman emphasized that the investigative commission must be staffed by individuals with high integrity, professionalism, and a willingness to resist interference. With strong authority, this institution is expected to work effectively to uncover the facts, debunk slander, and prevent recriminations between groups. This expectation aligns with the public’s desire for a transparent investigation of this tragic event, without any cover-ups.
Support also came from Muslim scholar Prof. Quraish Shihab, who also attended the dialogue with the President. He assessed that Prabowo’s explanation demonstrated a deep understanding of the people’s aspirations. He believed that the President’s openness in listening to and responding to input from various parties was very beneficial for the nation’s progress. This step has strengthened the public’s confidence that the state is there to find the best solutions, not simply to quell unrest.
Support came not only from religious leaders and civil society, but also from parliament. Rudianto Lallo, a member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that the President’s plan to form an investigative team and encourage reform within the police force was commendable. He believed that the President, as head of state, had the most comprehensive view of the police’s needs in maintaining public order and security.
He added that the spirit of reform needs to be applied not only to the police but also to all state institutions, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This is crucial so that performance improvements can be felt across the board for the benefit of the people. Therefore, the President’s decision to form an investigative team not only addresses public demands but also serves as a gateway to broader reforms in governance.
The public believes this policy demonstrates a balance between firmness and openness. On the one hand, the state must be assertive in maintaining security and ensuring that no provocateurs exploit the situation. However, on the other hand, the government also opens official channels to ensure that people’s aspirations are properly channeled. This combination demonstrates that Indonesian democracy is not haphazard but rather based on justice and the rule of law.
The formation of an independent investigative team signals that President Prabowo places the interests of the people as his top priority. He views public aspirations not as a threat, but as input to strengthen democracy. This attitude distinguishes authoritarian leadership from democratic leadership that prioritizes the interests of the nation.
Furthermore, this decision also demonstrates the government’s commitment to building public trust. Amidst the flood of information and the prevalence of fake news, an independent investigation will provide verified truth. Transparency in the investigation’s results will be crucial for the state to rebuild the public’s previously shaken trust.
The President’s actions also send a clear message to the international community that Indonesia is serious about upholding democratic values and human rights, without bowing to foreign pressure. By personally leading the establishment of the investigative commission, Prabowo demonstrated that the Indonesian government is capable of resolving domestic issues with dignity.
High hopes now rest on the work of the upcoming investigative commission. The public expects the investigation to be thorough, professional, and objective. Every fact must be revealed without bias, and anyone found guilty must be held accountable under the law. In this way, the August tragedy can serve as a valuable lesson and a starting point for improvements towards more mature democratic governance.
)* Public Policy Observer