Pramono urges all residents to help keep Jakarta safe

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has invited all elements of society to maintain security, comfort and a conducive situation in Jakarta during the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence.

“For the Jakarta provincial government, the meaning of independence is providing the best possible services to the people of Jakarta so that they feel protected, safe, cared for, comfortable and that they have a sense of ownership of the city of Jakarta,” Pramono Anung said in Jakarta on Monday.

According to him, independence is also reflected in the government’s ability to provide a sense of security for residents.

He stressed the importance of a shared spirit to safeguard Jakarta.

According to him, all elements of society have a responsibility to ensure the capital remains safe and under control.

“So this spirit of ‘Jaga Jakarta’ (Safeguard Jakarta) will continue and hopefully Jakarta remains in a well-controlled condition. Safe,” he said.

He also reminded that the meaning of independence today is not limited to physical struggle, but how society is able to control its ego and build space for dialogue.

“Independence today is no longer about physical battle by taking up arms, but about lowering one’s ego to listen to each other and work together,” he said.

Previously, the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) planned to hold a demonstration on Tuesday (18/8) with a call to action to seize independence, a day after the 81st Independence Day celebrations.

The demonstration is planned for the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Central Jakarta, announced through a post on BEM UI’s official Instagram account @bemui_official.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai said that regulating the location of protests does not mean eliminating citizens’ right to express their opinions. The government can provide alternative locations so that aspirations can still be conveyed without disrupting the interests of the wider public.

“Oh yes, regulation. It is possible. The government can regulate. If the main protocol roads are not allowed, then access is provided to express opinions elsewhere, that is possible. It is called regulation,” Pigai said.

Thus, the critical spirit of students can still be channelled in an orderly manner, without sacrificing the public’s joy in celebrating independence.