Bamsoet Hopes Easter Becomes Momentum to Boost Spirit of Unity

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party, Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), stated that this year’s Easter celebrations occur amidst a world facing serious humanitarian wounds and domestic challenges to social cohesion. Escalating global conflicts and social polarisation in Indonesia make Easter a moment for profound reflection to revive humanitarian values and strengthen national reconciliation. This was expressed by him in Jakarta today. “This year’s Easter cannot be separated from the reality of a world confronting a global humanitarian crisis. More than 240,000 people have died due to conflicts throughout 2025, with hotspots in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. This is a humanitarian tragedy that must awaken our collective moral consciousness,” Bamsoet said in his statement on Sunday (5/4/26). Bamsoet explained that current global conflicts show an increasingly worrying trend. Data from various international institutions indicate that modern warfare is becoming more brutal, with rising civilian casualties and weakening humanitarian norms. The conflict in Gaza up to early 2026 has claimed over 72,000 lives, most of whom are civilians. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine also shows continuous escalation. Throughout 2025, civilian casualties from attacks increased significantly, with thousands killed and tens of thousands injured due to drone and missile strikes targeting residential areas. “This situation shows that the world has not truly learned from history. Armed conflicts are no longer merely military confrontations but have transformed into widespread humanitarian crises. This includes impacts on economic resilience, political stability, and global security,” he said. He explained that the impacts of global conflicts are also felt indirectly by Indonesia, from economic pressures and supply chain disruptions to rising geopolitical uncertainty. This situation demands that Indonesia strengthen national resilience while maintaining domestic social stability. “Amid a turbulent world, Indonesia must maintain unity. Do not let social and political polarisation domestically develop into conflicts that damage the pillars of the nation,” he stated. He added that Easter carries a strong message about the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness in national life. These values are highly relevant for easing social tensions and strengthening national unity amid global geopolitical uncertainties and increasingly complex national political and economic dynamics. “Reconciliation is the key. Easter teaches that forgiveness and unity are the foundation for building a better future. This nation needs more dialogue, not conflict. More unity, not division,” he concluded.