Condemn Rocky Gerung, Communicologist: Examples of Democracy Going too far and Injuring Pancasila Values
JAKARTA — Communicologist from Pelita Harapan University, Dr. Emrus Sihombing stated that the diction that was put forward by Rocky Gerung in his statement was an example of democracy that went too far and was inappropriate to convey.
“I saw a diction that emerged this weekend that was inappropriate. This is an example of democracy going too far, such as the diction ‘stupid bastard’. Of course, what is conveyed in diction does not fit at all,” he said in a discussion on a national television station, Wednesday (2/8).
Furthermore, according to him, this controversial figure often delivered scathing but unproductive criticism of the government.
“We have to separate productive criticism from criticism wrapped in an agenda. I see Rocky Gerung if I study his track record in the digital world, he often expresses unproductive criticism of President Jokowi but not Prabowo and Anies.” Emrus added.
He considered that what Rocky said was not a form of friendly greeting because President Jokowi’s position and context was not there when the sentence was said.
“If it is said that the diction ‘Son of a bitch’ is a form of expression of friendship, is President Jokowi there, even though it is a public space and those present are other people,” he explained
“So if it is said that it is an expression of friendship, I dispute that from the point of communication semiotics,” said the Communicologist.
Strictly speaking, Emrus Sihombing believes that the expression uttered by Rocky Gerung is very condescending because in good communication all subjects should have an egalitarian position.
“In my view, I think that is demeaning to other people. Not only President Jokowi, but he also demeans his viewers and demeans himself,” he said.
“Whereas in communication we should have an egalitarian position and there is equality,” added Emrus.
When referring to the KBBI, the diction that is expressed is very inappropriate to be addressed to anyone, especially if it is conveyed to the Head of State.
“Even though in KBBI, the meaning of ‘bastard’ is a criminal, is it appropriate to address the Head of State?” he asked.
The academic also considered that the expressions made by Rocky Gerung were very uncivilized and not in accordance with Pancasila values.
“What Rocky said was nothing educational, therefore, it’s time for Rocky Gerung to apologize,” he concluded
Previously, a number of regional mass organizations, namely Gepak Kuning Kaltim-Tara, LPADKT, and Barmuda held a peaceful demonstration at the BSCC Dome Balikpapan, which continued to the East Kalimantan Regional Police to make a report, on Tuesday (1/8)
Attorney for Gepak Kuning Luthfi revealed that this action was in response to Rocky Gerung’s statement stating that “the President is a bastard, an idiot”, regarding the construction of the IKN in East Kalimantan.
“This has really hurt us, especially the people of East Kalimantan, who in this case feel as poignant as what Edy Mulyadi said regarding East Kalimantan where genies throw away children,” he explained.
