By: Alexander Royce *)
Amidst the wave of demonstrations that have swept across several cities in Indonesia since late August 2025, the government has taken swift and measured steps to maintain public order and security. Demonstrations by groups of students, laborers, online motorcycle taxi drivers, and the wider community demanding parliamentary reform, the elimination of excessive allowances, and social justice must remain peaceful. The state is obligated to ensure that the people’s aspirations are conveyed without creating chaos. One of the government’s key strategies is to strengthen joint TNI-Polri patrols down to the neighborhood (RT) and neighborhood (RW) levels, as an effort to create a sense of security that is widespread and protect the public from potential public disturbances.
President Prabowo Subianto has been a key figure in calming national tensions. He announced a reduction in allowances for members of the House of Representatives (DPR), a moratorium on foreign visits for officials, and emphasized firm action against perpetrators of vandalism and looting. The President also emphasized that freedom of expression remains guaranteed by the constitution, but must not exceed legal boundaries by damaging public facilities or threatening national stability. This message demonstrates the balance between respecting the people’s aspirations and maintaining public order.
Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, emphasized that the government will not allow for anarchy. He stated that actions such as looting or vandalism of public facilities will be dealt with firmly by the authorities. He further emphasized that joint patrols extending down to neighborhood units (RT-RW) are not merely symbolic, but rather a concrete means of suppressing potential unrest and ensuring residents feel protected. Dedi also encouraged the public to actively report potential disturbances, as solid security can only be achieved through synergy between the authorities and the public.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the III/Siliwangi Military Command, Major General TNI Kosasih, SE, added that the synergy between the TNI and Polri is a vital element in maintaining regional stability, especially in West Java, which is often the epicenter of mass concentrations. He emphasized the importance of close collaboration between all authorities, local governments, and the community to ensure that conducive conditions are maintained. The Pangdam stated that security stability is not only about dealing with the masses, but also about ensuring that the wider community’s activities are not disturbed. With solidarity and a shared vision, the TNI and Polri are ready to guard the situation to ensure it remains safe, orderly, and peaceful.
This security reinforcement is particularly relevant amidst the heated post-demonstration situation. Several strategic locations in Jakarta, including the House of Representatives (DPR/MPR), the National Monument (Monas), and political party offices, have become hotspots for mass gatherings since late August. Although the Student Executive Board (BEM SI) canceled a major demonstration in Jakarta on September 1, 2025, due to security concerns, the government remained on standby, deploying thousands of joint personnel to maintain order.
This government assertiveness has paved the way for social stability and economic recovery. Although the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) was depressed by more than 3 percent due to market unrest, the government and regulators emphasized that the national economic fundamentals remain strong. The government has also prepared a stimulus package and accelerated social programs to mitigate the impact on the poor. This demonstrates the country’s commitment to maintaining stability, not only from a security perspective but also from an economic perspective.
Given today’s challenges, large-scale patrols are not simply about maintaining physical security. Furthermore, they symbolize the state’s presence, affirming its presence to safeguard, protect, and provide a sense of security. Under the direction of the President, followed by the Chief of Police, and reinforced by the Deputy Chief of Police, this security strategy combines state assertiveness with active citizen participation. This approach reflects a democratic management model that prioritizes a balance between freedom of expression and public order.
Public aspirations, such as demands for the removal of DPR allowances, the enforcement of human rights, and the evaluation of government policies, are realities of a mature democracy. However, these demands must be conveyed through mechanisms that do not endanger the public or undermine stability. The government itself has demonstrated its seriousness by revoking DPR allowances and planning internal parliamentary reforms, clear evidence that public aspirations are not being ignored.
Overall, the government’s actions, from patrol orders to allowance reduction policies, demonstrate a swift and adaptive response to public discontent. This approach not only addresses the root of the problem but also maintains an open and orderly channel for aspirations. This is worthy of appreciation as a concrete example of the state serving the people in a democratic manner, rather than simply asserting its power.
A spirit of mutual cooperation between the government, security forces, and the community is key to resolving the previously tense situation. Joint patrols are an important tool, but rebuilding a sense of collective security is the ultimate goal. With a firm yet just state presence, the people’s aspirations can be channeled without disrupting social harmony and national stability.
In this way, Indonesia remains on the path to recovery, leading to a more harmonious and democratic social order. The government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the public have jointly affirmed that peace and order are the primary prerequisites for progress. Today’s strengthened joint patrols are clear evidence that the state is present to protect, unite, and guide the nation towards a more stable and prosperous tomorrow.
*) The author is a social observer
