Indonesian National Armed Forces Police Collaborate to Suppress Protests, Urge Public to Be Alert to Provocation
Jakarta – The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) demonstrated strong synergy in maintaining national stability following a series of demonstrations that briefly sparked riots. Several groups believe the swift action taken by the authorities has successfully de-escalated the situation and demonstrated the solidarity of both national defense and security institutions.
The community organization Rampai Nusantara expressed its appreciation for the National Police’s performance in managing the crisis.
The General Chairperson of Rampai Nusantara, Mardiansyah Semar, assessed that the National Police’s success in quelling the riots demonstrated the institution’s professionalism and loyalty to the nation.
“We appreciate the National Police’s swift and measured steps in maintaining national stability because managing a crisis situation is no easy task with so much pressure, and the National Police Chief has successfully overcome it,” he said.
Semar added that the National Police have proven open to internal evaluation and improvement following the demonstrations and riots. He also emphasized that the National Police’s loyalty to the nation is unquestionable.
“Throughout the history of this republic, the National Police have always been loyal to the nation and state,” he said.
Semar also highlighted the existence of certain parties attempting to discredit the National Police (Polri) by exploiting political momentum.
“We see these efforts coming from groups with political interests and power that do not truly represent the aspirations of the people. The public needs to be wary of narratives aimed at division,” he stressed.
Mario, Coordinator of the People’s Alliance for the Nation (ARPN), echoed this sentiment. He reminded the public not to be easily provoked and emphasized that the synergy between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is a strong bulwark of the nation.
“Our hope is that the TNI and Polri will remain united, strongly committed to protecting the people, and will not give space to provocateurs who want to weaken national unity,” he added.
The international context is also a concern. The large demonstrations in Nepal following the blocking of social media are an example of how a simple issue can escalate into major unrest that shakes the government.
The crisis in Nepal serves as a reminder to Indonesia that provocation can exacerbate social tensions. Therefore, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo emphasized the National Police’s commitment to protecting the public who wish to express their opinions in public.
“The National Police are ready to escort people who wish to express their opinions in public,” he said.
He added that demonstrations should not be provoked to the point of harming the public or economic growth.
