Beware of Student Demonstrations Ridden by Political Interests
JAKARTA — The student demonstration movement that is currently rampant in various regions should be watched out for.
Former Commander of the Prabowo-Gibran National Team Volunteers in the 2024 Presidential Election, Haris Rusly Moti, assessed that the action has the potential to be ridden by geopolitical interests aimed at creating political instability in Indonesia.
Haris highlighted various nationalistic policies implemented by President Prabowo Subianto’s government, such as Indonesia’s membership in BRICS, the establishment of Danantara and Bank Emas.
Not only that, but there are also regulations on the management of export proceeds (DHE) which are required to remain domestically.
According to him, this policy has the potential to harm certain parties who have benefited from the old system.
“The Prabowo government, with a number of strategic policies, has built a solid foundation in strengthening Indonesia’s economy and sovereignty,” said Haris.
“However, I am worried that there are efforts from outside parties to create social rifts through provocations spread through social media,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Eddy Soeparno, invited all elements of society to remain optimistic about Indonesia’s future.
According to him, pessimism will only create division, while the government continues to open up space for public aspirations.
“A pessimistic view will certainly see darkness and a dead end. An optimistic view believes that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel. I choose to be optimistic that Indonesia will be bright and advanced,” said Eddy.
He added that President Prabowo continues to implement various pro-people policies, such as debt relief for MSMEs and siding with small traders.
“Mr. Prabowo has succeeded in dispelling the fears of those who consider him anti-criticism. In fact, Mr. Prabowo really listens and no demonstrations are repressed,” he continued.
Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Party, Budisatrio Djiwandono, also emphasized that demonstrations are a democratic right, but he reminded that student actions must truly represent the interests of all Indonesian people.
“In the past few days, we have seen many fellow students come down to demonstrate. This is a democratic right protected by law, no problem,” he said.
Budi also invited students to be more objective in assessing government policies.
“Please, provide information, try it if students really represent the people, represent all Indonesian people,” he added.
The student movement, which seems to purely voice the interests of the people, is in fact not free from the influence of various political interests.
Therefore, the public should be more critical in assessing these actions and not be easily provoked by narratives that can worsen the political atmosphere in Indonesia. (*)
