Beware of the Call of Dark Indonesia Volume II Disturbing the Solemnity of the Month of Ramadan
By: Ilham Ramadhan )*
The call to hold a demonstration “Indonesia Gelap Jilid II” has resurfaced in the midst of the holy month of Ramadhan. This call for action has the potential to disrupt the solemnity of Muslims in carrying out their worship and hinder various ongoing national development programs.
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, emphasized that the Prabowo Subianto government has implemented various policies that are oriented towards the welfare of the people. The government is working hard to respond to various demands from the community, so that the criticism conveyed should be constructive and not damage the ongoing government process.
In this context, the call to hold a demonstration “Indonesia Gelap Jilid II” needs to be examined critically. This movement is considered more of a form of provocation that has the potential to disrupt public order and hinder various national development programs. Rather than being involved in counterproductive actions, the community should provide support for the government so that the acceleration of development can continue. Don’t let the nation’s energy be drained for things that have no direct benefits.
The 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), also expressed optimism that Indonesia’s future is not dark. With hard work and collaboration from all elements of the nation, Indonesia has great potential to become a developed country. He emphasized the importance of the role of society in creating a better future, not getting caught up in actions that can hinder progress.
SBY also highlighted that Indonesia is a country full of hope. Debate and criticism of the government are important, but must be accompanied by real, constructive actions. Criticism that is only oriented towards provocation without solutions can actually harm the interests of the wider community.
The call for the “Dark Indonesia Volume II” demonstration is a challenge for national stability. If this action takes place on a large scale, the potential for disruption to various sectors of life, including the economy and social, becomes increasingly real. In fact, the government is working hard to maintain the momentum of ongoing economic growth.
In addition to having an impact on development, this call for action also has the potential to disrupt the solemnity of the holy month of Ramadan. The Minister of Religion, Nasaruddin Umar, invited all elements of the nation to make Ramadan a pleasant and calming momentum. Ramadan is a month full of meaning, so it is fitting for Muslims and the general public to take advantage of this opportunity to increase positive activities.
The Minister of Religious Affairs emphasized that Ramadan is a special month, where many important events in history occurred, including the proclamation of Indonesian independence. Therefore, he invited all religious communities to build positive energy and establish this momentum as an event to strengthen national unity. Demonstrations that have the potential to cause social friction are in fact contrary to the noble values upheld during this holy month.
Maintaining a conducive situation during Ramadan is very important for the Indonesian people, the majority of whom are Muslim. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to get closer to God, carry out worship devoutly, and strengthen social relations through various positive activities such as sharing with others. Demonstrations that have the potential to cause chaos will only disrupt the spiritual atmosphere and togetherness of the community.
In addition, the calm during this holy month also supports the smooth running of economic activities, especially for small and medium business actors who rely heavily on the momentum of Ramadan to increase income. If the situation is not conducive, the community’s economy can be disrupted, which ultimately has an impact on the welfare of the people as a whole. Therefore, creating a safe and peaceful atmosphere during Ramadan is not only the responsibility of the government, but also all elements of society.
In a situation like this, students as the intellectual elements of the nation are expected to be able to think clearly and not be easily provoked by invitations that are unclear in direction and purpose. The student movement does have a long history in fighting for democracy, but it must remain based on academic studies and high morality. Students should encourage change through more strategic and solution-oriented channels. Indonesia currently needs collaboration and synergy from various parties to continue to progress. National programs that are currently underway, ranging from infrastructure development, strengthening food security, to improving social welfare, require full support from the community. When there are parties who try to hinder the pace of development through provocative actions, the community needs to be wise and not already affected.
The nation’s current challenge is not about the darkness voiced by certain groups, but rather how all elements of the nation can contribute to creating a brighter future. With the spirit of unity and mutual cooperation, Indonesia can continue to move forward without being trapped in a baseless pessimistic narrative.
Therefore, the call for the “Dark Indonesia Volume II” demonstration should be canceled because it does not bring real benefits to the nation or represent the interests of the general public. It is better to focus on joint efforts to support development and maintain national stability for the welfare of all Indonesian people.
)* The author is a social observer