Jakarta Civil Groups Pledge Support for Police to Crack Down on Anarchic Acts, Safeguard Ramadan
Several civil society organisations in Jakarta recently expressed their full support for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police to take firm action against all forms of anarchism. This support is part of a synergy to support the ‘Safeguard Jakarta’ programme in order to maintain the sanctity of Ramadan 1447 Hijri.
This commitment was affirmed during a Security Preparedness Rally held at the Precision Field of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Directorate on Saturday, 14 February. Thousands of representatives from civil organisations, workers, and online motorcycle taxi drivers agreed to support the police in creating a conducive situation so that the public can worship in peace.
As a concrete form of support, representatives of the community read out a Security Declaration. They stated that they were ready to be partners with the police in thwarting troublemakers. The following is the text of the declaration that was read:
Security Declaration. In safeguarding the Capital City of Jakarta for Indonesia, we, the civil groups of Jakarta, state our position.
First, together with the Police, we firmly reject all forms of anarchic action, vandalism and public disturbance.
Second, we support the firm action of the Police in an effort to create a safe, orderly and conducive situation.
Third, we are ready to report any form of threat and anarchic action, vandalism and public disturbance.
Fourth, we are ready to support the President’s programmes to improve the country’s economy and the welfare of the people.
Fifth, we are ready to work together to protect the environment, protect the community, uphold the rules, and uphold the trust in safeguarding the Capital City of Jakarta for Indonesia.
The Chief of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, explained that the essence of the ‘Safeguard Jakarta’ programme is to maintain the stability of the Capital City as the face of the nation. According to him, this can only be achieved through the collective commitment of all citizens.
“As with the theme we carry, ‘Safeguard Jakarta for Indonesia’, this means the spirit to protect our region from various potential threats and disturbances so that the city of Jakarta as the face of the nation can always be stable, safe and orderly,” said Inspector General Asep in his speech.
Inspector General Asep emphasised that security during Ramadan must be realised through one frequency and one command between the authorities and the community. He asked every element to contribute in a real way to reducing the potential for conflict from the beginning.
“I invite us all to work together to make a real contribution in realising security and order in our environment. The strength of Jakarta lies not only in its buildings, but in its citizens who are orderly, caring and willing to protect each other,” he added.
Through this programme, Inspector General Asep also instructed his staff not to hesitate to take measured action against disturbances to public order. He also asked the public to remain vigilant against provocations in cyberspace.
“Obey the rules, respect each other, maintain good behaviour in public spaces, and maintain ethics in the digital space. Filter information before sharing it and ensure the truth of the data before believing it,” said the two-star general.
At the end of his speech, Asep expressed the hope that this year’s Ramadan would be a moment to prove that Jakarta is a peaceful city.
“Welcome to the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri. Hopefully, this Ramadan we can go through it with full wisdom and peace. Amen, O Lord of the worlds,” Asep concluded.