Religious Leaders Call for Peace, Urge the Public to Stop Anarchic Demonstrations and Maintain National Unity

Jakarta – Several parties have issued messages to maintain peace and order and to end the anarchic demonstrations that have resulted from provocation by irresponsible parties.

The 13th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH. Ma’ruf Amin, appealed to all parties to remain calm, avoid being provoked, and refrain from acting in anarchic ways.

“I also ask all levels of society to remain calm, not to be provoked, or to be provoked, so that this disaster can be resolved as quickly as possible. Let’s continue to maintain national unity,” said Ma’ruf Amin in a video uploaded to his Instagram account on Friday (29/80).

Ma’ruf Amin also appealed to the government to take swift and appropriate steps to prevent the demonstrations from spreading.

“Especially in thoroughly investigating the disaster that occurred and enforcing justice transparently if a violation of the law occurs,” he said.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) also called on the public to stop demonstrations, especially those that are anarchic and cause damage and unrest to the public.

The Head of Information and Communications for the MUI Leadership Council, Masduki Baidlowi, stated that demonstrations are a citizen’s right, but if the action causes damage to facilities, disrupts public order, and harms the wider community, then it is appropriate that the activity be stopped.

“When it causes damage, unrest, and hardship for the public, I think it must be stopped,” said Masduki Baidlowi, Head of the Information and Communication Division of the MUI Leadership Council.

The Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Menpora RI) Dito Ariotedjo, also conveyed a message to the younger generation to convey their aspirations properly without any anarchy.

“Certainly, those who take action have the right to do so. And we live in a very democratic country, and democracy certainly provides for the right to express aspirations,” said Minister of Youth and Sports Dito to the media.

However, the Minister of Youth and Sports continued, this is to prevent anarchy and maintain a conducive atmosphere, especially if young people are conveying their aspirations to the government.

On the other hand, responding to the demonstrations following the motorcycle taxi driver accident, the father of the late Affan Kurniawan, Zulkifli, appealed to the public to remain calm and not act in anarchic ways.

“We must not act anarchically,” said Zulkifli in Jakarta, Friday (29/80).

Zulkifli also handed over all legal processes to the relevant authorities.

“I entrust the legal process to the authorities. Let them decide, because that’s their job,” said Zulkifli.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, when meeting with Affan Kurniawan’s family, guaranteed that he would investigate the case thoroughly.

Meanwhile, on Friday evening (August 29th), Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited the home of the late Affan Kurniawan’s family. The President expressed his deepest condolences and offered his assurances to his family, as well as special attention to his parents, siblings, and older siblings.

Prabowo appealed to the public to remain calm and not be provoked by parties seeking to create chaos in the country.

“Our nation is reforming itself, gathering all its energy, strength, and wealth to rise up and build a strong, prosperous nation, and successfully overcome poverty and hunger,” he said.

Prabowo emphasized that public aspirations remain legitimate, but must be expressed in an orderly and peaceful manner. [RWA]