By: Ramadhan Putra)*
In recent days, actions titled “Dark Indonesia” have emerged in several major cities in Indonesia and raised concerns about the disruption of national stability. This movement is indeed claimed as a form of expression of freedom of speech, but in fact the movement is more colored by provocative narratives that have the potential to mislead and are even infiltrated by interest groups who want to damage the democratic order and social order.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security and order amidst political and social dynamics. Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, said that demonstrations should be a space for constructive dialogue, not a means to divide society or destroy public facilities. The government always opens up space for aspirations, but remains within the framework of applicable laws and prioritizes public order.
A similar thing was also conveyed by the Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, who considered that the “Dark Indonesia” movement was more directed at provocative actions than real solutions to the nation’s problems. He reminded that the government had worked hard to meet the needs of the community and maintain national stability. Therefore, destructive actions cannot be justified because they will only trigger unrest and worsen social conditions.
In a democratic country like Indonesia, freedom of speech is guaranteed by the constitution. However, this freedom cannot be used as an excuse to spread hoaxes, incite the public, or cause chaos. Actions that claim to be for the people but actually threaten the stability and integrity of the nation must be watched out for and fought in an intelligent and dignified manner.
The General Chairperson of Rampai Nusantara, Mardiansyah Semar, is worried that this action is at risk of being exploited by certain parties who have hidden agendas, especially ahead of the government transition. According to him, there are efforts to exploit social dissatisfaction for narrow political interests. A situation like this is very dangerous because it can cause horizontal conflict and disrupt the ongoing national development process.
This condition is becoming more complex with the rampant spread of hoaxes on social media. Deputy Chairman of PAN, Eddy Soeparno, appealed to the public not to easily believe in unverified information. Hoaxes and information manipulation are often used to provoke public emotions to engage in destructive actions. Therefore, the public must be more selective in receiving information and not be provoked by misleading narratives.
The government itself has intensified digital literacy programs and supervision of social media to minimize the impact of hoaxes on national stability. In addition, the mass media is also required to carry out its role objectively and responsibly. Clear and neutral information will help the public understand the situation well and not get caught up in provocation.
IPB Rector, Arif Satria, assessed that the government was quite responsive in responding to social dynamics. According to him, various communication channels have been opened so that people can convey their aspirations without having to take to the streets and cause unrest. According to him, this step is proof that the government hears the voice of the people, so there is no justification for certain groups to carry out destructive actions.
Actions such as “Dark Indonesia” were also highlighted by international media. Most of the narratives constructed were negative and did not reflect the actual situation on the ground. This is certainly very detrimental to Indonesia’s image in the eyes of the world and could have an impact on declining investor confidence. Political and social instability are the main enemies of economic growth. Therefore, maintaining stability is not only the government’s task, but also the collective responsibility of all elements of society.
The younger generation is the main target of propaganda by groups that want to undermine national stability. Therefore, political education and understanding of democratic values must continue to be improved. Students as agents of change must be able to distinguish between constructive criticism and destructive provocation. Campuses should be centers of rational thought, not action fields exploited by actors with hidden interests.
Security forces also play an important role in maintaining order. Although a persuasive approach is always prioritized, firm action cannot be avoided if there is a real threat to national security. Coordination between the authorities and the community is key so that any potential disturbances can be handled immediately before they develop into a crisis.
National stability is not only the government’s property, but is the right and responsibility of all Indonesian people. When stability is disturbed, all sectors are affected from the economy, education, to security. Therefore, it is important for the public not to get caught up in divisive rhetoric, and to always prioritize common sense and common interests in every action.
Moving forward, cooperation between the government, civil society, media, and academics must be strengthened. Public dialogue, legal education, and strengthening information literacy must be the main focus so that every aspiration can be conveyed effectively without sacrificing the stability of the nation. By maintaining order and upholding democratic ethics, we can ensure that Indonesia’s future remains on a safe and prosperous path.
Don’t let the “Dark Indonesia” action become a loophole for parties who want to ride on public unrest for personal or group interests. Let us be aware of and fight all forms of provocation that threaten the integrity of the nation. Indonesia belongs to us all, and it is our duty to protect it.
)* National Political Observer – Mandala Raya Political Forum
