Ahead of the G30S Commemoration, the Public is Urged to Beware of Provocative Narratives Online
Jakarta – As the commemoration of the G30S (Indonesian Communist Party) events approaches, several observers are warning the public to be wary of the increasing circulation of provocative narratives on social media. The wave of divisive discourse is believed to be fueling social vulnerability, particularly among the younger generation who actively use the internet.
Security and intelligence observer Ridlwan Habib believes that political polarization not only occurs during elections but can also resurface during historical moments, such as the commemoration of the G30S (Indonesian Communist Party). He believes the digital world has now become a primary platform for spreading propaganda, both political and ideological.
“On social media, we see new trends being embraced by young people, such as the slogan ‘eat the rich,’ which may seem simple at first glance, but actually conveys a spirit of resistance against a system deemed unfair. This kind of trend is vulnerable to exploitation by anarchist groups who reject formal structures,” he said.
He explained that the classic communism issue, once frequently raised during every commemoration of the G30S (G30S), has now lost its practical relevance. However, new threats emerge in the form of more fluid transnational ideologies, such as left-liberal movements and anarcho-syndicalism. “For teenagers, ideas of unstructured resistance seem cool. However, if left unchecked, they can degenerate into destructive actions on the streets,” Ridlwan added.
Therefore, he emphasized the importance of a prevention strategy involving multiple parties, not just security forces. Families, schools, and even ministries dealing with economic and social welfare must work together to strengthen young people’s resilience against the influence of radical ideology. “The pentahelix model involves the government, society, academics, the media, and the business world,” he explained.
He argued that the commemoration of the G30S (G30S) should serve as a collective reflection to prevent the Indonesian nation from becoming trapped in debilitating horizontal conflict. He urged the public not to be easily provoked by rumors circulating online. “We must maintain unity, especially in the digital age where hoaxes and propaganda can spread very quickly,” Ridlwan concluded.
With collective awareness, Indonesia is expected to remain strong in facing various challenges and be able to prevent the emergence of political polarization that has the potential to damage national brotherhood.
