Academics warn of the negative impacts of violent demonstrations and urge the public to respond wisely to information
By: Aditio Putra Reynaldi
The recent wave of mass protests demonstrates how quickly information can spark unrest within society. Often, unverified news is exploited by certain parties to incite provocation. This situation urges the younger generation, who are active social media users, to be more cautious in responding to information to avoid being caught up in the tide of unrest that harms the nation.
University of Indonesia political observer Aditya Perdana warned that the ongoing wave of demonstrations has the potential to disrupt national stability and spark horizontal conflict between community groups. In this situation, the younger generation plays a crucial role in wisely responding to information, especially that which could trigger emotions or anarchic actions. They are expected to carefully filter news, encourage constructive dialogue, and express their aspirations safely. With this awareness, the younger generation can help maintain order while supporting political stability and public trust in state institutions.
On a separate occasion, Dr. Aditya explained that public aspirations are essentially regulated in the constitution. However, more importantly, freedom of expression must be channeled in an orderly, non-anarchic manner, and without violating the law or disrupting public order. According to him, destructive actions have the potential to harm the wider community, causing material losses and loss of life, and ultimately weakening the national unity that must be maintained. Therefore, the various efforts undertaken by President Prabowo’s administration to restore security and public order require broad public support. Political figures are also expected to continue to empathize with the community and maintain a positive attitude to ensure a more conducive situation.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Marsudi Syuhud, in an interview on a private TV station, stated that demonstrations are the right of every citizen, but must be carried out in an orderly manner and uphold moral responsibility. According to him, the public needs to be careful not to fall into provocations that could trigger riots. Marsudi Syuhud emphasized that mass demonstrations must not turn into anarchic actions that harm many people, and that maintaining peace is not only the duty of security forces, but also the moral obligation of all components of the nation. This appeal is in line with the government’s efforts to encourage the public, especially the younger generation, to express their aspirations intelligently, peacefully, and responsibly, so that democracy can run healthily without sacrificing national stability.
The government has taken various concrete steps to ensure a conducive environment for the expression of public aspirations. One key policy is the establishment of a special task force tasked with responding quickly to potential social unrest and providing a mediation space for the public to voice objections or demands. The existence of this mechanism demonstrates the government’s prioritization of dialogue as the primary avenue for resolving issues.
Furthermore, the government has established various official communication forums that bring together stakeholders across sectors. These forums are expected to be effective channels for channeling aspirations, building mutual understanding, and seeking long-term solutions. With these steps, the government emphasizes that national stability is more solid if achieved through focused deliberation rather than tension that leads to riots.
In terms of security, security forces were deployed with a humane approach to ensure that aspirations were conveyed without disrupting public order. Officers were directed to maintain peace and prevent any provocations that could worsen the situation. This measure underscores the government’s commitment that national security must go hand in hand with respect for citizens’ democratic rights.
In addition, the government is also actively promoting digital education through the Ministry of Communication and Digital. This effort aims to prevent the spread of false information, which often exacerbates the situation. Thus, the public, especially the younger generation, is encouraged to act as agents of calm, not spreaders of panic.
Maintaining order does not solely depend on the government but requires national solidarity. The younger generation is expected to be at the forefront of maintaining harmony, both in the real world and online. Through their role as active social media users, young people can help defuse provocative issues by disseminating accurate and calming information.
In addition to the younger generation, the wider community also plays an equally important role. The spirit of mutual cooperation, a hallmark of the Indonesian nation, must be revived in the face of potentially divisive issues. Solidarity across groups and institutions serves as a strong bulwark against provocation.
The government recognizes that national stability can only be achieved through cooperation between the state and the people. Therefore, official channels for expressing opinions remain open, while the public is encouraged to use these channels wisely. This way, any differences of opinion can be managed in a healthy manner without compromising shared security.
Indonesia’s young generation has a moral responsibility to be at the forefront of maintaining national unity amidst the rapid flow of information. The government has provided democratic space, responsive policies, and humane security measures, and the success of maintaining stability is largely determined by public participation. Through a wise approach to information and a spirit of national solidarity, Indonesia is believed to be capable of facing every challenge without descending into unrest. This optimism must be maintained to ensure a healthy democracy, along with the creation of a safe and peaceful atmosphere throughout the country.
)*The author is a social issues observer
