The Essence

 

               (Photo by Pramadam Muhamad Anwar)

One photo, millions of meanings. Yep, you read it correctly. Protesting, couples holding hands, merchants trying to sell their products to the protesters hoping that they could achieve some revenues by selling their stuff.  Motorbikes, especially scooters were parked at the side of the road.  Water Cannon, that was being parked inside the Palace of the Governor of East Java,  (a car-like vehicle that is used by the Indonesian Police) was bursting its content, pressurized-water towards the protesters. 

During the protest in Surabaya, (24/3/2025), the atmosphere that arose from the situation was just like one of The Beatles’ song called Helter Skelter. It was very tense and kind of intriguing to be able to stand as one of the protesters towards the Government’s Policy about The National Indonesian Army Regulation.  Estimated over hundreds of people rallied together, filling the Gubernur Suryo Street, in front of the Governor’s Palace, Grahadi. Running away from the crowd as the crowd was sprayed by the police with water was also an unforgettable  moment from the demonstration. 

Demonstration, from Latin Demonstrare, was/is/will be always within the hand of protesters around the world. They hold it as a “holy manuscript” that could guide them from the darkness towards enlightenment. 

When the law about the Indonesian National Army was passed by the Parliament, many people feared that it would lead to what we Indonesian call, Dwifungsi ABRI (ABRI was an old term that used during Orde Baru that refers to the Indonesian Army and Police). 

When the Law was about to be passed in the Parliament, the civil society already made a huge protest against that law. However, eventually the Parliament stubbornly still passed the law, and it caused another enormous protest that happened in various Indonesian cities, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Malang, etc. 

When the civil society is quiet, it may cause harm to the civil society itself. Because what are they gonna face the huge problem caused by the elite politicians, when they stayed quiet. 

By that fact, we, the civil society, are obliged to take action against the Government’s clumsy policies that will cause harm to the civil society itself. 

Civil unrest is mainly caused by the ruler. They may litter, damage and any other actions that can be seen as undignified, however, they do that solely for the purpose of the people so that they can be heard by the ruler. 

Rulers are often acting deaf, even though they’re not. That’s why it is our duty to knock on their door and make them hear again, and not act deaf all the time. 

Penulis: Pramadam Muhammad Anwar