By: Irvan Panggabean )*
National stability is a major factor in maintaining the sustainability of development and public welfare. The government of President Prabowo Subianto has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining a balance between freedom of speech and public order. In a democratic country, the aspirations of the people are certainly respected, but must be conveyed in a way that does not disrupt order. The “Dark Indonesia” action has disrupted national stability in a way that is not in line with the spirit of healthy democracy.
This action has caused unrest in society and can hinder the progress of the government which is currently focusing on various national development programs. As a country that upholds freedom of speech, Indonesia provides space for criticism and input, but it must be done constructively. The government has provided various platforms for more open and productive dialogue, so that all demands and aspirations can be discussed without sacrificing national stability.
The Chancellor of IPB, Arif Satria, emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto has responded to this action quite openly and invited the public to remain optimistic about the future of the nation. The President understands that each group has aspirations that they want to convey, but he continues to emphasize that everything must be done within a democratic corridor and maintain national harmony. The current government is opening up space for academic discussions and constructive criticism in order to realize an inclusive government.
In the context of the academic world, IPB Rector, Arif Satria emphasized that the President’s meeting with the rectors was not a form of intervention against academic freedom. On the contrary, the dialogue is a very important forum in building a shared understanding of the direction of government policy. This shows that the President appreciates input from various elements of society, including academics, to continue to improve governance.
From a legislative perspective, Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, emphasized that criticism of the government is a natural thing in a democratic system. However, constructive criticism is prioritized over movements that have the potential to damage the stability of the country. The Prabowo government has worked hard in responding to various demands from the community, so there needs to be good communication between the government and the people so that aspirations can be handled more effectively.
In addition, Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, also rejected the call for the President’s impeachment that emerged in the “Indonesia Gelap” action. According to him, the current government is just starting and is in the process of realizing national priority programs. Unfounded impeachment efforts will only worsen the situation and hinder the running of a legitimate government.
The government, through the Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, emphasized that the demands of the “Dark Indonesia” protesters have been heard and will be studied carefully. As proof of openness to the aspirations of the people, he offered student representatives to have a direct dialogue with the Palace in a constructive manner. This shows that the current government is not closing itself off, but rather opening up a more effective and dignified communication space.
The Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, also emphasized that the right to express opinions in public is guaranteed by law. However, this freedom must be accompanied by the responsibility to maintain order. He asked the police to prioritize a persuasive approach to the demonstrators, because they are the nation’s next generation. In this way, aspirations can be conveyed without having to sacrifice national stability and security.
The “Dark Indonesia” protest has disrupted national stability by creating tension in society. The issues raised in the protest should have been discussed through more constructive channels, so as not to cause concern and uncertainty in society. This nation has gone through various major challenges, and any differences of opinion should be resolved in a wiser manner and based on healthy democratic values.
As a democratic country, Indonesia always provides space for differences of opinion. However, there is a shared responsibility to maintain harmony and stability. The Prabowo government, as emphasized by various parties, has shown openness to criticism and is ready to accommodate the aspirations of the people. Therefore, dialogue-based solutions are prioritized over actions that have the potential to cause uncertainty and disrupt the stability of the country.
In nation building, criticism must always be part of the social control mechanism. However, it should be remembered that building a country is not only with criticism, but also with ideas, collaboration, and real action. The government, academics, and legislature have shown a commitment toto listen and have a dialogue, so that the community is expected to be able to convey their aspirations in a more constructive and productive way.
Rejecting actions that have disrupted national stability does not mean rejecting democracy, but rather protecting democracy itself. If democracy is understood as a system based on freedom and openness, then every element of the nation must help ensure that freedom is not misused. Indonesia needs positive energy to continue to move forward, not uncertainty that actually hinders steps forward.
As a great nation, Indonesia always faces challenges on its journey. However, one thing that must be maintained is the spirit to remain united in diversity. By maintaining national stability, ensuring open dialogue, and prioritizing a constructive attitude, a healthy democracy can continue to develop without having to sacrifice public order and security.
)* The author is a public policy observer
