Gus Dur's Daughter: Threat to Democracy, Government Urged to Involve People in Tax Policy

JAKARTA - Alissa Wahid, Director of the GUSDURian Network, urged the government to be wise and involve the public in formulating tax and other policies to prevent unrest within the community.

"Government policies are being made without sufficient study. The people's voices are increasingly being suppressed, leading to various forms of resistance, ranging from simply running away or Indonesia going into darkness," Alissa said in a statement quoted by ANTARA on Sunday, August 24.

This is crucial to prevent major unrest in the community, such as what happened in Pati, which raised the Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax (PBB-P2) by 250 percent, followed by similar demonstrations in Bone, South Sulawesi, against the local government's policy of increasing PBB-P2 by 400 percent.

Alissa emphasized that in a democracy, the people's voices must be heard and involved, both in the decision-making process and in policy implementation. This situation is a serious concern for GUSDURian, especially to anticipate the potential weakening of civil sovereignty.

"Democracy can only stand if civil sovereignty remains strong. If civil power is under military control, the people's voice will never be paramount," he said.

In addition to strengthening democracy, the upcoming Tunas GUSDURian will also discuss ecology.

Alissa explained that globally, the world is facing a climate crisis. In Indonesia, this situation is exacerbated by extractive industries that still operate with a power-based approach. As a result, indigenous communities are marginalized and ecosystems are severely damaged.

"Almost no mining sector truly restores the environment. In fact, because the government still ignores legal regulations, reclamation obligations are not carried out. As a result, many people become victims, falling into mining pits or barren land without reforestation," she explained.

According to Alissa, the issue being raised is not just an ecological issue, but also ecological justice.

"This justice includes protecting indigenous communities while upholding the rights of nature," Alissa said.

Alissa added that the 2025 GUSDURian Tunas will develop concrete recommendations to strengthen democracy and ecological justice for the Indonesian people.

"Gus Dur worked based on values, and we are focused on translating these values ​​into more concrete forms," ​​she said.

The GUSDURian Network TUNAS is a moment to consolidate GUSDURian activists. The event, themed Emulating Gus Dur, Strengthening Indonesia, was attended by 2,000 participants, consisting of the GUSDURian Community, friends and students of Gus Dur, individuals, institutions, interfaith leaders, civil society networks, and academics from various regions in Indonesia.

Activities include the Gus Dur Thought Conference, a Movement Forum, and a Movement Festival. The forum will also feature a Community Space: a movement bazaar and exhibition; a Learning Space: a space for sharing knowledge and skills with experts and activists; and a Cultural Night.

Several prominent figures will be present, including KH. Husein Muhammad, Dewi Kanti Setianingsih, Greg Barton, Mahfud MD, Badriyah Fayumi, Kamala Candrakirana, Laode M. Syarif, Tantowi J. Musaddad, Nissa Wargadipura, and Sandra Moniaga.