The public is urged to reject provocative demonstrations over the rejection of Soeharto’s hero title
Jakarta – The government’s decision to bestow the title of national hero on Indonesia’s second president, Soeharto, has drawn mixed reactions from the public. In several regions, calls for demonstrations have emerged to reject the decision. However, the government, along with security forces and several regional figures, have urged the public not to be easily provoked and to maintain national unity.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that differences of opinion are a natural part of a democracy, but they must not disrupt stability and public order. He believes the Indonesian nation currently faces a new challenge: no longer physical war, but rather maintaining unity amidst the rapid flow of digitalization and differing political views.
“Let’s embody the values of struggle by maintaining security and order together. Don’t be easily provoked by information that isn’t necessarily true,” he said in an official statement in Jakarta.
Prasetyo reminded that the spirit of heroism must be manifested through concrete actions that reflect love for the homeland, including maintaining social peace. He stated that today’s heroes are not only those who fight on the battlefield, but also every citizen who plays a role in maintaining harmony and mutual cooperation in their communities.
“Today’s heroes are those who are able to maintain peace, spread kindness, and strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation in their respective environments,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, confirmed that security forces have prepared anticipatory measures to ensure the national situation remains safe and conducive. The National Police, along with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and local governments are committed to ensuring that no party exploits this issue to cause public unrest.
“We have prepared anticipatory measures to ensure the situation remains safe and peaceful. However, the most important thing is the active role of the community in rejecting provocation and spreading the message of brotherhood,” he stressed.
He believes that public involvement in maintaining stability is a crucial factor in preventing social unrest. The spirit of Heroes’ Day, which was recently commemorated, should be used as a momentum to strengthen unity, not to divide the nation with misleading issues.
“Let’s work together to maintain peace, honor the services of our heroes, and continue their struggle by maintaining security and brotherhood in the community,” he said.
From the region, the Chairman of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), Dewa Made Mahayadnya (Dewa Jack), assessed that the protests against the awarding of the hero title to Soeharto had the potential to be exploited by certain parties to create political tension. Expressing aspirations is the right of every citizen, but it must be done in a civilized manner and in accordance with the nation’s cultural values.
“We welcome aspirations, and we also welcome others’ aspirations, but we must respect Eastern principles. Therefore, any form of demonstration that could potentially divide the brotherhood must be avoided,” he said.
He added that the public should express their opinions through constitutional channels, rather than through street demonstrations that could potentially spark horizontal conflict. He stated that the government’s decision regarding the hero designation had been through legal mechanisms and thorough assessment by various official state institutions.
This call to reject provocation is crucial amidst a socio-political climate easily influenced by information on social media. The government hopes the public will become more discerning in filtering information and avoid being trapped by divisive narratives. Efforts to maintain national stability are seen as a tangible form of respect for the heroes who fought for the nation’s independence.
