Culturalist: Expression of Aspirations Must Not Cause Division
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Culturalist Widihasto Wasana Putra has reminded the public that the spirit of expressing opinions must not cause division or damage to public facilities.
“Respect the rights of other members of society and safeguard public facilities as shared property,” Widihasto said in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday.
He was responding to unrest at a protest involving students at the Yogyakarta Regional Police Headquarters (Mapolda DIY) on Tuesday (24 February).
He stated that in the current Indonesian democratic climate, particularly since the onset of reform, the expression of aspirations and critical attitudes towards government operations are essential.
“Democracy provides space for citizens to express opinions freely and responsibly,” said Widihasto.
However, he emphasised that such freedom is not without limits. The expression of aspirations, he said, must remain within the framework of law, uphold order, and avoid violence, anarchism, or damage to public facilities.
“Particularly when this occurs in Yogyakarta, a region known as the centre of Javanese culture that upholds values of courtesy, empathy, and harmony,” he stated.
Previously, hundreds of Yogyakarta residents calling themselves “Kawula Ngayogyakarta” held a cultural demonstration on Thursday (26 February).
They comprised students, university students, traditional arts communities, culturalists, and folk martial arts activists.
In the event, they issued a national call to reject anarchic protest practices.
The cultural action began at Condongcatur Terminal, Sleman, and then travelled along the northern lane of Ring Road towards Mapolda DIY.
The activity attracted public attention as it was organised like a cultural carnival. Participants played various traditional instruments including trumpets, flutes, bende gongs, drums, and kendang drums.
They also wore costumes resembling royal palace soldier attire. The front row carried a large banner with Javanese script reading “Reject Violence, Prioritise Peace”.
Yogyakarta Regional Police Deputy Commander Brigadier General Eddy Junaedi welcomed and appreciated the arrival of the “Kawula Ngayogyakarta” cultural demonstration at Mapolda DIY.
He viewed the presence of participants wearing traditional cultural costumes as bringing a special sense of calm.
“Your arrival brings refreshment because everyone is wearing traditional cultural costumes that are characteristic of DIY. Hopefully such positive things will continue to be woven together so that security and conduciveness can be firmly established,” he said.
He stated that the police did not object to the expression of aspirations or criticism from the public regarding police performance.
However, as hoped by DIY Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, such aspirations were expected not to be conveyed in anarchic ways.
The cultural action concluded with group photographs of participants and Yogyakarta Regional Police officials. The activity proceeded smoothly, and at exactly 5:00 PM WIB the crowd returned to Condongcatur Terminal before dispersing in an orderly manner.