AHY Participates In Reminding The Negative Impact Of Destructive Demonstration

Coordinating Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. (ANTARA PHOTO/Aprillio Akbar/foc)

Chairman of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), emphasized that the law must be enforced without compromise against the rioters in Surabaya who damaged and burned the Grahadi Building because the riots had an impact on the economy and national investment.

The destruction and burning of the Grahadi Building is very unfortunate. If there are individuals who prepare, they must be investigated and enforced by law," he said at his residence, Puri Cikeas, Bogor Regency, West Java, after meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Palace, Jakarta, Sunday.

According to AHY, destructive and prolonged unrest can erode public trust and investors in Indonesia's stability, and could have an impact on the economic slowdown.

"Investors certainly hope that Indonesia's stability can be shown well. If there is constant chaos, anyone will hesitate to invest," he said.

He distinguishes between constitutional peaceful demonstrations and destructive riots. According to him, peaceful demonstrations are the right, but if they turn into violence, the risk is detrimental to the wider community.

In addition to economic stability, AHY also highlighted infrastructure damage due to mass action. He said he would report directly to the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of Transportation so that improvements could be made immediately.

"Hopefully the damage can be immediately contained, rehabilitated, and returned to function as usual," he said.

AHY also reminded the authorities to remain professional in dealing with demonstrations. He considered the patience of the apparatus to be very important because large numbers of people were not easily controlled.

According to him, his personal experience as a TNI officer in the past made him understand the great risks faced by the authorities. However, professionalism must be maintained so as not to cause new problems.

He hopes that all parties can respect each other: people who express their aspirations remain peaceful, and officers who maintain security remain patient. Thus, the situation can return to conducive without causing casualties.

"Economic damage, infrastructure damage, and social injuries should not be a long burden for our nation. Let's protect this country together," said AHY.