By: Gavin Asadit )*
The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining sovereignty, public order, and safety amidst a series of heated demonstrations in several regions in late August and early September 2025. The President openly stated that the state would not bow to pressure, especially anarchic actions that could potentially disrupt the common order. In a directive, the President tasked the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) with maintaining stability, responding to all forms of violence, and ensuring a sense of security for all Indonesians.
The head of state’s instructions were immediately responded to by security institutions. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo emphasized that demonstrations are a constitutional right of citizens, but when they escalate into vandalism, arson, and assault, they constitute criminal offenses. For the National Police Chief, firm law enforcement measures protect the majority of citizens who wish to continue their activities safely. He stated that handling demonstrations that escalate into anarchy will be carried out professionally, proportionally, and with upholding human rights principles. He assured that every action by officers in the field will adhere to applicable regulations, ensuring that the solidarity of the National Police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) truly serves as a state instrument that sides with the interests of the people.
Meanwhile, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated that the TNI’s role in dealing with this situation is to ensure security conditions do not become further provoked. He conveyed that the public is asked not to be easily carried away by provocative or misleading calls. For the Commander, the TNI and Polri must stand at the forefront to ensure that legitimate actions remain free, while also closing the gap for groups trying to exploit the demonstrations for destructive interests. In his view, the presence of officers on the ground is not to suppress aspirations, but rather to provide a sense of security, prevent chaos, and emphasize that the state has the ability to control the situation.
From the government’s perspective, law enforcement against anarchic acts is a concrete manifestation of the state’s protection of all citizens. Freedom of expression in public remains guaranteed, but this freedom must not be abused to damage public facilities, attack officials, or disrupt public order. Therefore, the solidarity of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is crucial as the last line of defense, ensuring that freedom does not become a threat. The government believes that the unity of these two institutions will close the door to actors attempting to undermine the state’s legitimacy through street violence.
In a joint evaluation with the President and security forces, the National Police Chief stated that law enforcement efforts would be expanded to include the intellectual actors and financiers of anarchist actions. He believes that successful security lies not only in controlling crowds on the streets, but also in the ability to dismantle the networks behind the actions. Therefore, the authorities are not merely reactive but also proactive in preventing a recurrence of similar escalations. For the government, this stance demonstrates a commitment that the state will not simply wait but will act strategically for the sake of national security.
Meanwhile, the TNI Commander believes that national unity depends heavily on the ability of the people and the security forces to unite. He believes the TNI and Polri must demonstrate that security forces can work together without rivalry, with one goal: to safeguard the safety of the state and its people. He has repeatedly emphasized that solidarity is not merely a symbol, but rather a collective energy that sends a strong message to all parties that the state is present with one voice.
In practice, security forces have conducted joint patrols, secured vital objects, and enforced order at a number of locations deemed vulnerable. These actions are not merely routine operations, but rather a concrete manifestation of the solidarity of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri). The government hopes these measures will provide a sense of security, restore public trust, and restore stability to socio-economic activities. The presence of officers on the ground is intended to ensure that the wheel of life does not come to a standstill due to minor disturbances from groups choosing anarchic paths.
The government also emphasized the importance of post-terror recovery. Repairing damaged public facilities, restoring economic activity, and supporting affected communities are priorities. The National Police Chief and the Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander both urged the authorities to go beyond enforcement and contribute to restoring public trust. This demonstrates that the state is not merely present with a stern face, but also with a commitment to rebuilding a sense of security and togetherness.
The government’s primary message through the TNI-Polri solidarity is clear: the state will not bow to violence, will not allow anarchy, and will not allow democracy to be held hostage by destructive actions. The National Police Chief, with his focus on law enforcement, and the TNI Commander, with his emphasis on security stability, present two unified faces of the nation: firm in action, yet maintaining democratic values. The government believes this combination will ensure Indonesia remains resilient in the face of any challenge.
)* The author is an observer of social and community issues