By: Lita Razak )*
The wave of demonstrations that heated up in several regions and culminated in anarchic acts has drawn serious attention from the state. The TNI and Polri affirmed their full commitment to maintaining national security, while ensuring that the democratic process continues within the law without compromising public order.
Collaborative efforts have been intensified through large-scale joint patrols and public awareness campaigns, encouraging the public to remain calm and not be easily provoked by misleading information. The involvement of these two defense and security institutions is seen as concrete evidence of the state’s presence in providing a sense of security.
This commitment was emphasized by the Head of the Public Information Bureau of the National Police’s Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko. In a press conference at TNI Headquarters, he stated that the presence of security forces among the community is a concrete step, not merely symbolic. The TNI and Polri stated that they are fully focused on carrying out the President’s order to ensure national stability following the anarchic acts. It was also emphasized that restoring security is a top priority. The presence of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) on the ground demonstrates that the state is not remaining silent in the face of public unrest.
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has ensured that the situation will not be handled unilaterally, but rather through a comprehensive strategy encompassing preventive, preemptive, persuasive, and measured legal action. Action against perpetrators of anarchy will be processed transparently in accordance with applicable regulations to maintain a sense of justice within the community.
In his statement, the public was also urged to be wise in responding to the flow of information, especially that circulated through social media and chain messages. Trunoyudo reminded the public to prioritize clarification before believing news that could potentially incite unrest. Their aspirations should be expressed within legal channels, not through calls that could lead to anarchy.
The Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, also reiterated instructions to strengthen security operations. According to him, under the direction of the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, joint TNI-Polri patrols are being conducted down to the neighborhood (RT/RW) level. This is to ensure public safety and prevent potential riots and looting. There is no room for anarchy or vandalism. The presence of officers on the ground is intended to protect every person, property, and public facility.
The public was also warned not to fall for incitement or hoaxes that could divide unity. He emphasized that officers have been put on alert while maintaining professionalism, legal procedures, and respect for human rights. The National Police (Polri) also emphasized their openness to constructive criticism from the public. Constructive criticism is seen as part of efforts to strengthen the organization to become more modern and humane.
However, the public was asked to work together to maintain conducive conditions by peacefully channeling their aspirations. Collaboration between officers with local governments, community leaders, religious leaders, and youth is key to creating a conducive situation. The public is positioned as the eyes and ears of officers on the ground.
Amidst the dynamics of democracy, public participation is a determining factor in success. The government, through its security forces, is optimistic that with the synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the public, the situation can quickly return to stability. It emphasized that the presence of officers is not intended to limit democratic space, but rather to protect the public from potential provocations or threats.
The involvement of religious leaders, youth, and community organizations in maintaining order is also considered crucial in strengthening the foundations of democracy. This spirit of togetherness is expected to restore public confidence that aspirations can still be expressed without sacrificing social order.
Several observers believe that the collaborative efforts of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the public are a clear reflection of the progress of Indonesian democracy towards maturity. The right to express opinions is guaranteed by the constitution, but expressing aspirations that lead to anarchy cannot be justified.
In this context, democracy is not only about freedom, but also a shared responsibility to maintain unity and public safety. Therefore, strengthening communication between the authorities and the public is a crucial aspect that the government continues to promote.
With this established synergy, the government is optimistic that national stability can be maintained. Security forces have stated that their primary goal is to ensure peace, protect all citizens, and ensure the democratic process runs smoothly.
The public is urged to remain critical but rational in voicing their aspirations. Legal channels and constitutional mechanisms are emphasized as legitimate avenues forto express their opinions. “It has been emphasized that Indonesian democracy is built through peaceful participation, not through calls for anarchy that are detrimental to the people,” the security forces stated.
The synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the community is now seen as the last bastion in maintaining national unity. The state’s presence amidst public unrest is believed to reaffirm the belief that Indonesian democracy can be realized without anarchy.
)* The author is a social observer