The Sumatra Disaster Must Be a Unifier of the Nation, Not Just for Political Interests

JAKARTA - The Sumatra disaster that occurred since the end of last year should be able to unite the elements of the nation. This condition must not be used for short-term political interests in order to reap electability.

"This disaster is the nation's grief, not the stage of electability. It is very worrying if there are still parties who are busy sticking political labels on the suffering of the people," said the Initiator of the Civil Supremacy Movement (BAPERSIPIL), Ade Adriansyah through his statement in Jakarta, Friday, January 16.

His party also invited all components of the nation, including the leadership of social and political organizations, to maintain the purity of humanitarian action. This organization also expressed its readiness to be at the forefront in supporting disaster management measures as a form of moral responsibility to the nation and state.

Ade further conveyed his appreciation to the TNI, Polri, SAR teams, and volunteers who were directly involved in the field. They are considered to have sacrificed their energy, time, and even safety to save their fellow men.

"Don't burden their hard work with unnecessary political noise. They are human beings who have limits to fatigue and families waiting," he said.

BAPERSIPIL on that occasion also urged that humanitarian assistance must be completely free of practical political attributes, symbols, or messages that have the potential to divide society. Do not let any party deliberately provoke the situation in the midst of a national mourning atmosphere.

In addition, Ade asked law enforcement officials to take firm action against the spread of hoaxes and misleading narratives that could disrupt national stability. The public is urged to remain critical of any humanitarian action that has a hidden political agenda.

Meanwhile, BAPERSIPIL Manager Mustafa Khaidir also reminded the tears of the people who were victims of disasters were not a way to gain power. This was conveyed when he announced a number of strategic agendas leading to the 2026 National Declaration as a result of the consolidation of organizations in the regions of Jakarta, Depok, and Bogor.

The agenda includes a public discussion entitled Diskusi Tanpa Baper in Bogor Regency, a national roadshow to strengthen the basis of the civil movement, as well as a dialogue on reform and civil supremacy.

All series of activities will be closed with the National Camp and the Pledge of Unity of Indonesia which carries the spirit of mutual cooperation as the main solution to national issues.

"Don't make the people's tears as a ladder to power. Let humanity win," said Mustafa.

"BAPERSIPIL is ready for President Prabowo. Anyone who politicizes disasters and spreads negative hoaxes is a threat to national unity," he concluded.