Indonesia Is Not OK and We Must Assemble to Keep Our Nation Stable
Recently, major cities in Indonesia have once again been filled with furious crowds; thus, anger has always been one word away from danger. Demonstrations, which should be a natural and constitutional channel for aspirations, often escalate into more violent forms, including the destruction of public facilities, attacks on security forces, and even clashes between community groups. We are witnessing the vulnerability of the national security situation when political and social forums are unable to channel aspirations in a healthy manner.
This phenomenon is not merely a passing political dynamic. It carries a more serious message about the threat to national security and disintegration. Increasing polarization, both in the physical and digital world, is a smoldering fire ignited by political, economic, and religious issues. If left unchecked, it can destroy the foundations of long-standing brotherhood between tribes.
From Stability to Atrocity
Mass demonstrations that ultimately result not only harm the state financially, as damaged public infrastructure must be repaired at considerable expense, but also leave behind unbelievable social scars. Communities feel insecure, the economy is disrupted, and even once-harmonious social relationships can turn into mutual suspicion.
This situation creates another loophole. First, democracy guarantees citizens' rights to express opinions, assemble, and associate. However, when such expressions exceed legal and moral boundaries, they can lead to new injustices. The rights of the wider community to live in peace and security are compromised—a classic dilemma that continues to haunt our democracy.
History shows that great nations do not collapse because of external attacks but rather from internal rifts. When groups in society prioritize sectoral egos and pragmatic political interests dominate public discourse, the seeds of disintegration will grow.
Indonesia has long experience in dealing with the potential for disintegration. Horizontal conflicts in Maluku, Poso, Aceh, and Papua serve as reminders that fragile social cohesion can lead to human tragedy. Now, we face a new challenge: disintegration is not just a physical and territorial issue, but also a disintegration of consciousness and nationhood. In the era of social media, hoaxes and hatred can quickly undermine long-established bonds of brotherhood.
We must acknowledge that the recent upheavals were not spontaneous. There is public disappointment with policies, dissatisfaction with the distribution of welfare, and a sense of injustice in the political process. Radical aspirations often manifest themselves on the streets. The evidence certainly does not deny the involvement of certain parties who benefit as stowaways.
However, the solution cannot be simply repressive. Relying solely on the security forces will only create an unproductive cycle of violence and police brutality. What is most needed are healthy channels for dialogue, fair public policies, and open spaces for participation. Without these, we are merely delaying the next eruption. We certainly welcome the solutions and statesmanlike steps taken by President Prabowo Subianto.
Collective Responsibility
It must be remembered that safeguarding Indonesia is not solely the task of state officials or a group of political elites. It is the collective responsibility of all citizens. To this end, there are several strategic steps we must take.
First, strengthen deliberation. Our democracy must return to the original spirit of the nation's founders, which prioritizes deliberation and consensus, not merely competing for votes. Deliberation allows all parties to be heard without causing casualties.
Second, build social ethics. The right to express opinions must be balanced with ethical awareness. Destroying or even broadcasting public facilities, spreading hoaxes, or creating mob violence is not part of healthy freedom. This awareness needs to be instilled, both through education and by example from leaders.
Third, foster social solidarity. When a group feels marginalized or oppressed, social solidarity must be present. We need to transcend political, religious, and ethnic barriers to reaffirm that we are all equal citizens of Indonesia.
Fourth, oversee public policy. Street protests ought to be considered a final option. A healthier democratic mechanism is to initiate policy through institutional channels, namely parliament, oversight bodies, and academic and media spaces. Therefore, these pillars of democracy must truly function well.
In the current situation, we need to learn from our predecessors. The nation's founders recognized that Indonesia can only stand strong if it rests on a foundation of unity. That is why the motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity) is not just an advertised slogan.
It should not be a state forum but rather a shared philosophy of life. We must learn from their wisdom, prioritizing the interests of the nation over personal or group interests.
The nation's founders provided the best example of how differences in ideology and background can be united for the nation's benefit. Now, the challenge is whether we can inherit that spirit or become trapped in pragmatism and narrow-minded political arrogance.
National Identity
One new arena that must not be ignored is the digital space. It is there that public opinion is formed and where the seeds of division are often sown. Digital literacy is an urgent need to prevent society from being easily provoked. Therefore, social media should be a means of education, not a vehicle for spreading hatred.
The state must also provide clear regulations but not silence them. While taking action against hoax spreaders is important, building a healthy digital culture where citizens respect differing views is even more crucial.
Indonesia is currently faced with a critical decision. We could fall into a chasm of division by continuing to allow destructive actions and hate speech to grow, or we can choose the path of togetherness by prioritizing dialogue, deliberation, and solidarity.
As a great nation, we possess strong social capital, such as a culture of mutual cooperation, local wisdom, and deep religious values. These core assets must be continuously nurtured to ensure Indonesia remains a comfortable home for all its inhabitants.
The recent wave of demonstrations and acts of violence is an early warning. It reminds us that safeguarding Indonesia cannot be postponed. National unity is essential along with national security as the foundation of development.
Therefore, let us safeguard Indonesia with dignity. Do not be easily provoked. Do not allow differences to become a dividing chasm. Let no sectoral interests ever undermine the foundations of our nation. We are a friendly, civilized, and peaceful nation. If every citizen contributes to this awareness, Indonesia will remain strong in every testament of time.
This article was published in Media Indonesia on Wednesday (September 3, 2025).