Former Deputy for International Relations Herry Dahana: Unity is the Key to Facing Global Challenges

According to Inspector General of Police (Ret.) Heribertus Dahana Resmiwara, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Indonesian Christian Movement Raya (GEKIRA), Indonesia's current challenges are not only about the economy. (IST)

JAKARTA - Former Deputy for Politics and Strategy of Wantannas RI, Inspector General of Police (Ret.) Heribertus Dahana Resmiwara or Herry Dahana, assessed that Indonesia needs national unity to face increasingly complicated global pressures.

According to the member of the Board of Trustees of the Indonesian Christian Movement for Greater Indonesia (GEKIRA), Indonesia's current challenges are not only about the economy. There is a global slowdown, conflict between countries, information wars, disinformation, cyber security, food security, and fast-moving geopolitical dynamics.

"In the midst of a global situation full of uncertainty, Indonesia needs stability. Differences of opinion are something normal in a democracy, but don't let it develop into a conflict that weakens national unity," Herry said in a written statement received Monday, June 15.

Herry assessed that President Prabowo Subianto was facing a strategic problem that was not light. Therefore, the success of the government cannot be solely attributed to the President. He said that public support, political parties, academics, community organizations, and the younger generation also play a role.

"The government must continue to be guarded, but all components of the nation also need to give space for the President to work and carry out his strategic agenda for the benefit of the people," he said.

Herry emphasized that criticism is still important in democracy. However, criticism should be directed at improving policies, not building narratives that undermine public trust in state institutions.

He reminded that many countries are weakened not only because of external pressure, but because of divisions within the country.

"The biggest threat often comes when nations lose unity and the ability to think critically in the face of various external influences," he said.

Herry also asked the public to be alert to potential foreign interventions that could harm national interests. However, he emphasized that allegations of foreign intervention, funding, or political destabilization must be proven by data and legal processes.

According to Herry, the debate about foreign funding for organizations, media, or social institutions is indeed a concern. But the public should not be easily dragged into issues without verification.

"The wisest attitude is to remain vigilant, not easily accept information without verification, encourage transparency of funding sources for organizations and media, and maintain unity so that this nation is not easily broken by political issues or disinformation," said Herry.

He assessed that Prabowo was open to constructive criticism. Such criticism, said Herry, is a mechanism for supervision and improvement in democracy.

Herry invited all elements of the nation to put national interests above the interests of groups and short-term politics.

"Indonesia needs strong leadership, a stable government, and the support of all people. National unity is the greatest capital to realize Indonesia's Gold 2045," he said.

Herry is optimistic that the Prabowo government will be able to face the challenges of the times if supported by the spirit of mutual cooperation and national unity.

"If this nation is united, Indonesia will be able to pass through various tests," he said.