Jakarta – Religious figures and academics are calling for civil demonstrations amidst a wave of protests. The public is urged to express their concerns within the law, avoid anarchic actions, and be wary of provocations and hoaxes.
The Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Dr. KH. Marsudi Syuhud, MM, emphasized that religious teachings are the foundation of a harmonious national and state life. He stated that religious teachings are essential for the nation and state to function well.
“Although religion commands us to impart the truth to one another, we must convey it with patience,” said KH. Marsudi in a dialogue on Kompas TV’s Sapa Indonesia Malam (September 2nd).
KH. Marsudi emphasized that religious values should guide every citizen’s actions, including expressing aspirations and criticizing the government.
“Be patient and don’t do things that are prohibited in life, not only during demonstrations, so negative things must be left behind,” he said.
KH. Marsudi also expressed that religious leaders appreciated President Prabowo’s swift response to the current situation.
“Religious figures from all existing religions are gathered, something no other country has. Indonesia has a social organization that can educate the public,” said KH. Marsudi.
KH. Marsudi also appealed to all elements of the nation to remain calm, exercise restraint, and not be provoked by various hoax issues. He asked the public to maintain unity and maintain calm.
“We must maintain our collective security, our collective order, and our collective well-being. We are obligated to maintain public order,” said KH. Marsudi.
In facing various challenges, national unity must remain a top priority. Differences of opinion and aspirations are natural in a democratic society, but their resolution must not compromise national integrity.
“We don’t want there to be any more victims in the future, so please convey this matter in a respectful and orderly manner, because everyone, including individuals, is obliged to protect their own lives and honor,” he said.
Anarchic actions during demonstrations not only harm the perpetrators but also have a wide-ranging impact on the general public. Damage to public facilities, disruption of economic activity, and the creation of insecurity are consequences that must be shared.
Another resource person, namely the Political Communication Expert from the University of Indonesia, Dr. Aditya Perdana, also appreciated President Prabowo’s quick and appropriate steps in handling the situation by gathering various elements of society.
Dr. Aditya stated that in conveying aspirations, it is hoped that they will do so peacefully and without committing anarchic acts.
“This freedom must be exercised in an orderly, non-anarchic manner, and without violating the law or disrupting public order. Destructive actions have the potential to harm the wider community, cause material loss and loss of life, and ultimately weaken the national unity that must be maintained,” said Dr. Aditya.
Polite demonstrations are a way to convey aspirations without hate speech, provocation and anarchic actions, upholding the values of humanity and brotherhood and respecting the rights of other citizens.
Previously, the Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH. Yahya, urged all elements of society, including students, to exercise restraint and maintain calm amid the recent heated national situation.
“It is important to find a constructive solution and avoid actions that risk worsening the situation,” he said.
Religious figures and academics have urged the public to exercise freedom of expression in an orderly manner, not in an anarchic manner, and not in a way that violates the law or disturbs public order, [RWA]
