By: Ikshan Yuana )*
Security stability is the primary foundation for national development. Without a sense of security, all efforts to boost investment, create jobs, and strengthen public trust in the state will be hampered. Amidst the rapid flow of digital information often flooded with hoaxes and provocations, the role of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) has reaffirmed itself as the vanguard in maintaining order and suppressing negative issues that have the potential to divide the nation.
Recent demonstrations and social dynamics have demonstrated how quickly misleading information can inflame public emotions. Peaceful aspirations, which the public truly seeks to convey, often turn into chaos due to provocation by irresponsible parties. In situations like this, the presence of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) is crucial. Both are present not only with a security approach but also employ a more humane communication strategy to ensure the public feels involved and valued.
The synergy between the TNI and Polri in safeguarding public spaces is now increasingly solid. Through joint operations in various regions, the two sides demonstrated effective coordination, from joint patrols and strengthening dialogue with community leaders to preparedness for mass demonstrations. These measured steps are not merely a deployment of force, but also an effort to foster a sense of security and close the door to provocation. Bogor Police Chief, AKBP Rio Wahyu Anggoro, emphasized that the large-scale patrols carried out by officers are a concrete form of public protection. Collaboration across agencies is key to ensuring that order remains maintained.
Similarly, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto reminded the public not to be easily trapped by incitement that leads to anarchic actions. He stated that certain groups deliberately encourage people to act outside the law in order to create chaos. He emphasized that all issues should be resolved through legal channels and deliberation, not violence. This statement underscored the TNI’s commitment to fully synergize with the Polri to maintain national security, not merely as a formal duty, but also as part of upholding the nation’s dignity.
Meanwhile, efforts to suppress negative issues in the public sphere are also being carried out through digital channels. The Director of Cyber Crimes at the Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji, stated that hundreds of social media accounts spreading provocation have been blocked. The National Police’s cyber team is collaborating with the Ministry of Communication and Digital to analyze and track the networks spreading provocative content. The intensified cyber patrols demonstrate that authorities are not only focused on physical security, but also on information security, which often becomes a gateway for public unrest.
Appreciation for the role of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) has also come from various groups. Firdaus, Chairman of the Indonesian Cyber Media Union (SMSI), assessed that the security forces’ swift and measured actions have succeeded in maintaining order without creating new problems. He also emphasized the importance of the press in improving public literacy, preventing the public from being easily provoked by misleading information. The media, as the fourth pillar of democracy, must act as a counterbalance by presenting accurate information and encouraging the public to be more critical of circulating issues.
Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (when he served as interim Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs) expressed similar support. He ensured that national security remains under control despite ongoing political and social dynamics. According to him, President Prabowo Subianto has issued specific directives to continuously strengthen coordination across ministries and institutions. Revitalizing organizations under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs is the first step to ensure effective government operations while responding quickly to potential threats.
The solidarity of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) will certainly not be optimal without public support. This is where the role of religious leaders, traditional leaders, and local leaders is crucial in quelling unrest in their respective communities. With good communication between officers, community leaders, and residents, potential unrest can be mitigated before it escalates. The public also has a moral responsibility to refrain from spreading unverified information and to report any indication of security disturbances in their surroundings.
The culture of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) inherent in Indonesian life should serve as a bulwark against attempts to divide and rule. In the digital era, mutual cooperation is not only demonstrated through concrete work in the field, but also through collective awareness of maintaining a healthy information ecosystem. The public needs to understand that a single hoax post can trigger division, while a wise approach to verifying information can…Let’s not forget shared peace.
Going forward, the challenges of maintaining security and stability will undoubtedly become increasingly complex. Technological developments, globalization, and even domestic political dynamics bring the potential for unavoidable social friction. However, with the synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the active role of the media, and public awareness, Indonesia has significant capital to face these challenges. Maintaining stability will pave the way for investment, economic growth, and public welfare.
Therefore, efforts to mitigate negative issues in the public sphere must not stop at short-term reactions. A long-term strategy involving all elements of the nation is needed. The TNI and Polri will continue to serve as a defensive bulwark, the press will educate the public, and the community must be the first line of defense in maintaining peace in their communities. If this synergy is maintained, the grand ideal of achieving Indonesia Emas 2045 will become closer to reality.
)* The author is a social observer