By: Rivka Mayangsari
National security stability is the primary foundation for sustainable development and public welfare. Amidst the rapid flow of information in the digital era, the greatest challenges come not only from physical threats, but also from negative issues and provocations in the public sphere, particularly on social media. The TNI and Polri reiterated their commitment to maintaining regional security and urged the public to be more discerning in responding to any circulating information.
The Commander of the 0910 Malinau Military District Command, Lieutenant Colonel M. Syaiful Arif, emphasized that the TNI will always fully support the police’s efforts to maintain regional security. He believes that all levels of society, from traditional leaders and religious leaders, youth, to civil servants, must play an active role in filtering emerging issues, especially on social media. He believes that the digital space is often used as a means of provocation and the spread of hoaxes that have the potential to cause unrest among the public.
Syaiful emphasized that this message of caution needs to be conveyed repeatedly in community forums and government agencies. This way, no one will be easily provoked by issues deliberately manipulated to create division. He added that if the public can act wisely and not be easily provoked, regional stability will be maintained, while also supporting the central government’s efforts to maintain national order.
Support for the security forces’ actions also came from various groups, including religious scholars. The Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and Deputy Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Anwar Iskandar, expressed his high appreciation for the swift action of the police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in controlling the situation following the riots in several cities at the end of August. He assessed that the authorities’ decisiveness succeeded in preventing the escalation of conflict that could have potentially disrupted national stability.
Anwar also called on the entire community to work together to maintain security and order. He stated that expressing aspirations is a constitutionally guaranteed right, but must be done peacefully and must not damage public facilities or incite violence. This call emphasized that democracy in Indonesia must be implemented responsibly, without sacrificing national unity and brotherhood.
The solidarity of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) has also received widespread support from various elements of civil society. This support stems from concerns about provocative issues attempting to divide the two state institutions. Mario, Coordinator of the People’s Alliance for the Nation (ARPN), emphasized that the TNI and Polri are the main pillars of the state. He believes that any attempt to divide them is a direct attack on the foundations of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
Mario added that the people must unite to fight such provocations. For him, maintaining national stability is not solely the duty of the security forces, but rather the shared responsibility of all elements of the nation. He emphasized that efforts to weaken the TNI and Polri are tantamount to weakening the Indonesian nation itself. Therefore, ARPN urges the entire public to remain united, reject all forms of provocation, and fully support the security forces in maintaining order.
In this context, the government also continues to encourage synergy between security forces, community leaders, religious leaders, youth, and civil society organizations. This collaborative effort is believed to be able to limit the scope of action for those seeking to disrupt national stability. This synergy is realized not only through joint patrols but also through public education on the importance of digital literacy and strengthening national values.
In addition to maintaining security, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) are also committed to being present among the public, providing a sense of security and reassuring that the state is always ready to protect its citizens. The presence of officers in public spaces is not merely repressive, but also persuasive, ensuring that the public feels comfortable carrying out their daily activities without fear.
With the strong commitment of the security forces, the support of religious leaders, and the active role of civil society, the public is urged not to be easily provoked by circulating negative issues. By wisely receiving information, maintaining harmony, and supporting the solidarity of the TNI and Polri, Indonesia is believed to be able to overcome various challenges while maintaining national stability.
Amidst turbulent socio-political dynamics, national unity is key. The TNI and Polri serve not only as instruments of defense and security, but also as symbols of national integrity. With maintained synergy and heightened public awareness, national stability will remain strong in the face of any threat.
*Social observer
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