Jakarta – Amidst the pessimistic narrative that depicts the national condition as if “Indonesia is dark,” Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal and Deputy Chairman of the MUI Dr. KH. Marsudi Syuhud, MM, agreed to reject the provocation in an elegant and constructive manner. They emphasized that criticism must be placed within the framework of official dialogue and mechanisms, not just rhetoric that can divide.
Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal opened his statement by emphasizing the importance of official channels for conveying aspirations.
“The government is working on all of this,” he said, emphasizing that various ministries and institutions are currently completing national priority programs.
According to Cucun, the accusation that the government is “pitch dark” is far from the facts on the ground—where infrastructure continues to be built, economic policies are accelerated, and social programs are expanded.
Furthermore, he reminded that constructive criticism would actually strengthen the legitimacy of the government.
“If criticism is too excessive, don’t go that far. There is a mechanism,” said Cucun, referring to the right of interpellation and hearing in the Indonesian House of Representatives.
For him, “excessive” criticism that drags into the issue of impeachment will only divert energy from substantive improvements and disrupt political stability.
On the other hand, Dr. KH. Marsudi Syuhud highlighted how pessimistic narratives often emerge when people’s expectations are not in line with reality, especially amidst global economic pressures.
“Pessimistic narratives often emerge when people’s expectations are not in line with reality, especially in conditions of economic pressure,” he said some time ago.
According to Marsudi, the rhetoric of “dark Indonesia” could be a distraction that weakens the collective spirit to rise.
For this reason, Marsudi emphasized the importance of an effective political communication strategy.
“The current political communication has been able to dampen the narrative of pessimism and fear, because this narrative can actually slow down the spirit of development if it continues to be rolled out,” he stressed.
He added that MUI is ready to collaborate with the government and media to spread a narrative of optimism based on facts.
Both agreed that rejecting the provocation of “dark Indonesia” does not mean turning a blind eye to challenges, but rather responding to them critically, objectively, and with hope. The DPR is committed to strengthening the mechanism for public aspirations, while the MUI will hold an interfaith forum to promote messages of nationalism and progress. Through this synergy, it is hoped that public energy will be diverted from fear to active participation in development. []
