Dasco Urges National Unity as Social Media Discourse Becomes Unhealthy

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has urged all parties to strengthen national unity and contributions that go beyond mere talk. Dasco emphasised that the cohesion of civil society is the key to good governance. ‘We need national unity and contributions that are not just empty talk; that is what we ask of our civil society colleagues,’ Dasco said in a statement on Friday (6 March 2026). Dasco noted that civil society is currently not cohesive, with people instead abusing each other. ‘Because today, our civil society is not cohesive; civil society is one with another, insulting each other, questioning government policies in an unhealthy way. On social media, it is already unhealthy,’ he said. Dasco stressed that the administration of President Prabowo Subianto requires national unity to realise its promises, especially to prosper the people. He also said it is not a problem if civil society voices criticisms or suggestions. However, Dasco hopes such criticisms are built on a sense of nationalism and good intent. ‘If we ask, Prabowo only needs one thing: national unity—both in criticising and in offering ideas and, then, real contributions,’ Dasco asserted. Therefore, Dasco asked all parties to give the Prabowo administration time to work as well as possible. ‘I would actually ask my fellow citizens: how long will civil society continue to provide national unity to Prabowo so that he has time to realise his promises for the welfare of the people?’ he added. KOMPAS.com is committed to delivering clear, trustworthy, and balanced facts. Support the sustainability of clear journalism and enjoy reading without advertisements by joining KOMPAS.com Plus now.