Students and Youth Affirm Violent Demonstrations Are Not the Solution

JAKARTA – The demonstrations that turned violent some time ago have drawn strong criticism from university students, schoolchildren, and youth members of the Indonesian People’s Solidarity Alliance (ASRI) and the National Coalition of Indonesian Women (KNPRI).

They reiterated their rejection of all forms of provocation that divide the nation. They encouraged the peaceful expression of people’s aspirations and reminded them that democracy can only be maintained through dignity.

However, all efforts to convey these aspirations must be carried out with high order, full of peaceful values, and with dignity.

The coordinator of ASRI and KNPRI, Fikri, believes that the riots that occurred during the demonstrations or rallies only damaged the image of the struggle and caused significant losses to the public.

“These are reprehensible and barbaric actions, and attempts to pit the people against the police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will only harm the people, damage the image of the struggle, and harm the spirit of democracy,” he said.

Fikri urged the government, particularly President Prabowo Subianto, to take concrete steps to restore social conditions. Fair, transparent, and impartial law enforcement is urgently needed, including the investigation of the intellectual actors behind the riots.

“We are confident and believe that the President is capable of carrying out his duties as Head of State in ensuring security, safety, and prosperity for all Indonesian people,” he said.

Similarly, the Head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, emphasized that the government respects freedom of expression, but that constitutional limits clearly do not extend to acts of vandalism.

“Freedom of expression is a constitutional right of every citizen, but the destruction of public facilities is not protected by law,” Hasan said in Jakarta.

Meanwhile, legal expert Henry Indraguna stated that attempts to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means are regrettable and must be rejected. He stated that public aspirations are guaranteed by law, but riots cannot be tolerated.

“Anarchic mass actions and vandalism that damage infrastructure can escalate into social conflict that disrupts political stability, security, and the national economy,” Henry emphasized.