Student Demonstrations Are Not a Solution for Society, Only Cause Negative Impacts

By: Ratih Safira Utami

Demonstrations carried out by students are often considered a form of struggle for the interests of the people. However, the reality on the ground shows that these actions often cause various negative impacts, both for the general public and social stability. Instead of presenting constructive solutions, student demonstrations actually trigger tensions, riots, and disturbances of order that are detrimental to many parties.

In Jakarta, anarchic actions occurred in front of City Hall when a group of students who were about to demonstrate at the Horse Statue damaged a congratulatory wreath for the Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta.

A City Hall security officer revealed that around 200 students who came from the direction of Gambir destroyed at least 30 wreaths before the action began. This incident is proof that student demonstrations are often marked by destructive actions for no clear reason.

Demonstrations that took place in various regions also ended in anarchic actions that disturbed the community. In the “Dark Indonesia” action carried out by the Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM SI), a group of students deliberately tore down the concrete barriers that had been installed by security forces.

The police had issued an appeal for the action to be carried out in an orderly manner and not to damage public facilities. However, the demonstrators insisted on tearing down the barriers on the grounds that they wanted to reach the State Palace.

This kind of action not only violates the rules, but also shows that the demonstration carried out by students emphasizes the provocative aspect rather than the substance of the struggle.

In Makassar, the student demonstration even ended in a clash with residents. A number of students from Makassar State University (UNM) completely blocked Jalan AP Pettarani, causing severe congestion and triggering anger among road users.

Residents who did not accept the action ended up clashing with the demonstrators. The police who intervened to secure the situation were actually the target of attacks from the student group.

Eight people suspected of being provocateurs were arrested after vandalizing and attacking security forces. Actions like this further prove that student demonstrations are no longer focused on conveying aspirations, but have turned into an event for destruction and confrontation that is detrimental to the wider community.

In addition to causing riots, student demonstrations also often disrupt economic activities. Road closures and anarchic actions cause severe traffic jams that have a direct impact on community mobility and the business sector.

Small traders, daily workers, and road users are the ones most disadvantaged by uncontrolled demonstrations. The lives of the community that should run normally are disrupted by the actions of a group of students who claim to carry the aspirations of the people.

Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, highlighted the narrative echoed by the group of demonstrators. According to him, freedom of expression is indeed the right of every citizen, but it should not be used to spread misleading information.

The narrative of “Dark Indonesia” carried by students is considered a form of distortion of facts that does not correspond to the actual conditions. The newly inaugurated government needs time to resolve various challenges, and should be given the opportunity to prove its performance. Therefore, demonstrations that end in destruction and provocation cannot be justified for any reason.

The demands of students in various demonstrations are often not based on a deep understanding of the situation faced by the country. On the contrary, the actions they take actually worsen the situation and create instability that is detrimental to all parties.

Demonstrations that end in anarchy and clashes are not the right way to voice aspirations, but instead weaken the position of students as agents of change.

If the main goal is to bring about better change, then dialogue and cooperation with related parties are much more effective than simply taking to the streets and causing riots.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Golkar Party DPP for Media and Opinion Raising, Nurul Arifin emphasized that demonstrations should be carried out in a constructive manner without anarchy because it threatens political and economic stability in general.

On the other hand, the Coordinator of the Red and White Legal Team, C Suhadi, assessed that demonstrations could potentially divide the nation. Moreover, Indonesia’s current situation is in good condition with the economy running stably and under control.