Public Urged to Help Government Weather Economic Turmoil
Fithrat Irfan, an activist and Independent Commissioner of PT Electronic Data Interchange Indonesia, a subsidiary of Pelindo Group, has urged the public, academics, and students to maintain national unity in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges confronting Indonesia. He stated that the economic situation, influenced by global dynamics, should not be exploited to divide society or disrupt national stability.
He added that Indonesia’s journey was built through the long struggle of the nation’s founders, who sacrificed their lives for independence. Therefore, all elements of society must preserve the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
‘We must not be divided simply because of the political interests of certain groups. This nation was built with great sacrifice and must be safeguarded together,’ Fithrat said in an official statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
He reminded the public to remain critical of various political and economic issues as they develop. However, according to him, criticism of the government must be delivered constructively and not driven by specific political interests.
He also urged the public not to be easily influenced by narratives that could potentially trigger disunity, especially amid global economic conditions still facing uncertainty due to international geopolitical conflicts.
Fithrat assessed that the weakening of the rupiah exchange rate and the financial market fluctuations that occurred cannot be separated from global conditions, including geopolitical tensions affecting the economies of various countries.
‘This incident is not a problem faced solely by Indonesia. Many countries are also experiencing economic pressure due to the uncertain geopolitical and global economic situation,’ he said.
According to Fithrat, every country has its own strategy for facing these challenges. He assessed that the Indonesian government is currently striving to take various steps towards economic recovery and maintaining investor confidence.
He also appreciated a number of measures taken by the government and stakeholders in maintaining national economic stability. According to him, these efforts are evident from market conditions that have begun to show improvement after experiencing previous pressures.
Furthermore, Fithrat asked the public to give the government space to carry out its development and reform programmes. He assessed that the national development process takes time and cannot produce instant changes.
‘No great country has grown without facing various challenges. Everything requires a long process, including Indonesia,’ he said.
In concluding his statement, Fithrat invited all citizens to continue fostering a spirit of nationalism and maintaining unity amidst differing views.
‘Never tire of loving this nation and state. Indonesia is independent because of the struggle of our predecessors. Do not let that struggle be in vain because we are divided,’ Fithrat said.