Indonesian Islamic Students reject demonstrations that provoke
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Central Board of the Indonesian Islamic Students (PB PII) has expressed its rejection of demonstrations that exploit democratic spaces as a means of spreading provocation, hate politics, agitation, disinformation, violence, or narratives that can divide national unity.
PB PII Chairman Kevin Prayoga said that democratic dynamics must not lose their national orientation. Differences of opinion, he said, are inevitable in a democratic country, but such differences must be managed through dialogue, deliberation, rational argumentation, and respect for the law.
“Let not the competition of ideas turn into conflict between community groups, let alone lead to actions that threaten the brotherhood of fellow countrymen,” Kevin said in Jakarta on Saturday.
PB PII made the statement in response to the planned action by the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB) at the House of Representatives (DPR) on 27 August 2024. According to him, the emergence of various public aspirations is normal in democratic life.
However, he said that every form of public mobilisation must ensure that the expression of aspirations does not develop into a space for spreading provocation that could sharpen social polarisation in society.
Moreover, amid the atmosphere of mourning and concern over the disasters that have befallen communities in East Nusa Tenggara and Kalimantan, he called on all elements of the nation, including the people of Pati, to convey every aspiration in an orderly, peaceful, and responsible manner.
Therefore, he encouraged all elements of society to prioritise the principles of transparency and accountability in every form of mass mobilisation that carries the name of or claims to represent the interests of the people.
“Encouraging the government and the DPR to open constructive, transparent, and substantive dialogue with public aspirations so that every national issue can be resolved through democratic and constitutional mechanisms,” he said.
On the other hand, he also urged the public not to be easily provoked by unverified information, especially information that deliberately builds hatred, pits community groups against one another, or encourages horizontal conflict.
He also affirmed that PB PII respects the right of every citizen to express opinions in public as long as it is carried out in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations, maintains order, and respects the rights and freedoms of other citizens.
“This stance is conveyed as a manifestation of the commitment of the Central Board of the Indonesian Islamic Students to maintaining a healthy, orderly, and responsible democratic life, while strengthening national unity and integrity,” he said.