Violent demonstrations in late August 2025 in Jakarta and several other major Indonesian cities claimed lives, injured many, and damaged offices and public facilities. According to the General Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board, Prof. Dr. H. Haedar Nashir, M.Sc., any demonstration or protest within reasonable limits is not a problem because it is a way of expressing aspirations as guaranteed by law. The problem lies in demonstrations that escalate into anarchy. Such demonstrations typically involve intellectual actors.
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The People's Representative Council (DPR), both at the national, provincial, and district/city levels, and the Regional Representative Council (DPD), have traditionally been the institutions that channel and accommodate the people's aspirations. However, in practice, the masses often express their aspirations through street demonstrations.
Why does this happen? According to Haedar Nashir, it's because the channels are blocked. "Yes, this can trigger public anger. That's why those channels must be opened. I think DPR members know best how to do this. There's no need to be afraid of the people and the aspirations they convey," he said.
Ideally, every demonstration should be peaceful. Therefore, protesters must comply with established regulations regarding the location and time of expressing their aspirations. However, recently, both of these have often been violated. The result is anarchy, riots, looting, and the destruction of public facilities.
Regarding demonstrations, according to Haedar Nashir, the Muhammadiyah Central Executive urges: first, every demonstration must be accommodated by the executive and legislative bodies for implementation; second, any demonstration that ends in anarchy must be enforced; And third, efforts must be made to optimally close off any room for unrest that could trigger provocation.
Demonstrations are indeed very vulnerable to being exploited or infiltrated. "We must be vigilant in facing all of this. That's why every demonstration must comply with existing regulations. And don't be provoked into committing anarchy. The intellectual actors are in hiding; they are mostly unknown. So this is not an illusion; there are always interests lurking behind every riot," he told Edy Suherli, Bambang Eros, and Irfan Meidianto of VOI, who met him at the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Office in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on September 3, 2025.
How does Muhammadiyah view demonstrations as a way of expressing the people's aspirations?
Expressing aspirations in a formal manner is part of democracy. It's important as input for the government, the House of Representatives (DPR), or any other party to improve what they convey to the public. I think it's clear at this point, as all parties will view it that way.
However, large-scale demonstrations sometimes change direction, become swept away by the current, or are influenced by other groups' interests. This then gives rise to what is called anarchy, which manifests in riots, violence, arson, looting, and even loss of life. At this point, we can distinguish demonstrations that follow the rules from anarchy. In yesterday's incident, the demonstrations mixed with riots, resulting in chaos. This is what President Prabowo called a pure demonstration and one that incites unrest, even leading to treason.
So, are there pure demonstrations and those that cause unrest?
Yes, I hope that officials and elites from the central to regional levels can identify which demonstrations are pure and which are unrestful. So, don't confuse the two. Peaceful demonstrations are legitimate, but when they lead to riots, they violate the law and disrupt the lives of many people. This must be addressed negatively.
Are those inciting the riots exploiting genuine demonstrations?
In riots, there are always those who exploit them, often referred to as intellectual actors. What are their interests? Only they can explain. It could be political, economic, or other interests. In the process of nation-building, there are government institutions, mass organizations, civil society, and groups with vested interests. We must be vigilant in facing all of this. Therefore, every demonstration must comply with existing regulations and must not be provoked into anarchy. Intellectual actors are hidden; they are mostly unknown. So this is not an illusion; there are always interests lurking behind every riot.
For a long time, members of parliament, both at the central and regional levels, have been a channel for the public to express their aspirations. Is this functioning properly, or is it blocked, forcing the public to demonstrate?
One trigger for mass demonstrations was the behavior of council members at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) building. First, the issue of housing allowances and other allowances, which are astronomical. Second, the attitude of council members in responding to public aspirations is inappropriate and provocative. The DPR, which should be a repository of the people's aspirations, has instead become a source of public unrest.
From this incident, I hope: First, the DPR needs to be transparent about the salaries and allowances they receive. Just be transparent so the public knows, and don't forget to provide logical reasons so the public understands. Second, regarding legislation. Various draft laws (RUU) that are created often elicit reactions, both due to their substance and because of the secretive process. In the future, there must be a public hearing before passing a bill. If there are many aspirations, they must be listened to, because they have a mandate from the people.
This space has been closed, causing unrest and angering the people. However, it is important to remember that public anger must remain within the boundaries of democracy, law, morality, and civility. It must not be wild.
So, have the people's aspirations been blocked?
Yes, this could trigger public anger. That's why the channel must be opened. I think members of the House of Representatives know best how this will work. There's no need to fear the people and the aspirations they convey.
Besides what you mentioned, what are the root causes of the people's movements?
The root of the problem is not singular, because, even after 80 years, our national life is still a process, both in terms of progress and problems. Every nation inevitably faces political, economic, social, cultural, religious, and other problems.
First, there's the latent problem: the economic conditions of our people, generally lower-middle class. This is prone to provocation. Furthermore, there's also the issue of the ever-changing system of the nation and state, which doesn't guarantee certainty. We may have become the most democratic country, but we don't yet have democratic etiquette. A consolidation process is needed for democracy to function well, correctly, and bring progress to society. Democracy isn't just about giving people space to speak; it must be accompanied by a system capable of moving this nation forward.
Then, regarding human rights (HAM), this must be the foundation so that this nation can honor, respect, and share the same view that every life is precious. It must not be wasted, let alone eliminated. This system is still under development, and in that process, there are certainly gaps.
Furthermore, the social gap is also very wide between ordinary people and those who have everything. This gives rise to jealousy, envy, and even revenge. In times of crisis or when there is a trigger, this condition can lead to anarchy. These factors can be interconnected.
Does our government and representatives know these factors?
They should. But the problem is not simply knowing, but ensuring the existing system is running properly. For example, regarding the eradication of corruption, everyone—whether in the legislative, executive, judicial, or public institutions—wants that. However, the system doesn't automatically work. Eradicating corruption faces many obstacles due to various interests in state, political, and economic relations.
The source of the problem must be identified and minimized. That's where leadership is crucial, ensuring that national life has a clear and implementable structure.
Yes, implementation is the tough part. What's your advice?
The tough part depends on our management skills. Every leader has been taught how to manage a country. Some things are priorities, others can be postponed. It requires the ability to deliberate, negotiate, and formulate policies. If you're serious, it can be done. And most importantly, have a strong commitment to carrying out the people's mandate.
Don't be distracted by other things that make us neglect that commitment. It often happens that after being elected as a leader by the people, they become self-centered and forget about the people. An elected executive, legislative, or judicial official must be self-aware so as not to be tempted by things that deviate from their commitment as a leader of the people, nation, and state.
When meeting with President Prabowo in Hambalang along with leaders of other mass organizations, what did the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board convey?
Before the August riots, we from Islamic mass organizations had planned to meet with President Prabowo. However, due to his busy schedule, the meeting had not yet taken place. It finally materialized after the demonstrations that led to riots on August 25 and 28. We provided input to the president regarding the incident.
First, the government needs the strength of the people so that policies can be implemented with public support. Second, we asked the president and his team to distinguish between genuine demonstrations and those that are exploited. If the demonstrations are genuine, the demonstrators and the authorities must protect each other. This is not easy, because demonstrations everywhere always want to enter guarded areas, while officers are tasked with guarding them. The solution is for those protesting to meet with the demonstrators or allow demonstrators' representatives to enter.
However, regarding rioters, the government must be firm. This is also not easy, because harsh action against rioters can be considered a violation of human rights. In the public eye, it is difficult to distinguish between rioters and demonstrators. But the state must not give in to the rioters.
Besides symbolic meetings, is there a commitment from the government, particularly President Prabowo, to improving the country's situation?
The government and President Prabowo received moral support from Islamic organizations present to implement the actions outlined in their plans. That's the most important thing: they must support each other and unite their forces. After that, the president also met with political party leaders, and the political parties had to discipline their members who were angering the people. From there, the situation calmed down. Hopefully, this situation will continue to improve. The state cannot stand alone; it needs the strength of the community to build the nation, as Muhammadiyah did before the founding of the Republic of Indonesia.
What concrete proposals does Muhammadiyah have for resolving the current situation?
First, demonstrations are welcome, as long as they are purely to convey aspirations. Officials and the legislature must accommodate and implement these aspirations, as the president has stated. There must be a solution. The House of Representatives (DPR) must carry out its duties in a pro-people manner. The executive branch must also remain connected to the interests of the people. Regarding taxes, policies must consider the people's conditions, whether they should be equal or differentiated according to the situation. That's where knowledge and wisdom are needed.
Second, there must be clear legal procedures for those who perpetrate riots. The public can monitor the legal process. And third, it's preventative: we must close the space for unrest that could trigger provocation. Reorganize the overly free social media ecosystem. If left to run wild as it is now, it could impact the very fabric of our lives as a society, nation, and state.
How does Muhammadiyah encourage the younger generation to remain critical, but in a dignified manner?
To young people everywhere, we must commit to building a good life in society, the nation, and the state. This actually applies to everyone, not just young people.
Young people must study national science so that from a young age they have the wisdom to advance the nation and state.
Second, young people must improve the quality of their knowledge and insight, along with a foundation of morals. Whatever external influences, they must not be separated from religious values, the nation's noble values, and culture. Feel free to express yourself as long as it remains within that framework. Humans must be civilized, unlike animals. This is where learning morals and developing character becomes crucial.
Indonesians were once known as polite and friendly, but now tend toward anarchy. Why is this?
Because expressions in critical situations often get out of control, mob violence emerges. Eventually, the word "amuk" was absorbed into the English language. This is the paradox that occurs. How someone can control their emotions while on duty and not run over others is crucial.
But at the same time, there are demonstrations that end in riots and even lead to loss of life, such as at the South Sulawesi Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) building. Who are the perpetrators? Demonstrators who lost control. Everyone must learn values. Life without values is empty. The Quran states that humans, if they are evil, can surpass animals.
This is where the values of good and bad, right and wrong, appropriate and inappropriate, which humans must possess, are necessary. Problems arise when the boundaries of these values are violated. Leaders cannot run the government arbitrarily. The people, too, must have standards in expressing themselves so as not to overdo it. If this is violated, anarchy will ensue.
All parties must exercise restraint and approach situations with values and knowledge. Otherwise, Thomas Hobbes's maxim, homo homini lupus, could come true. Because without values, humans can become destroyers. Building can take decades, while destroying takes only a moment. Therefore, do not become destroyers. As emphasized in the Quran, humans should be caliphs on earth.
Haedar Nashir and the Beauty of Chatting with His Grandchildren
Outside of his busy schedule as Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board (PP), lecturer, and professor, Prof. Dr. H. Haedar Nashir, M.Si., is no different from most parents. One of the things that brings him the most joy is spending time with his grandchildren.
"Life is meant to be lived normally and naturally. Don't set goals that are too high, unless it's to build something idealistic," said the man born in Bandung, West Java, on February 25, 1958.
To maintain muscle elasticity and physical health, he exercises. "I usually run or walk in the morning around the house. The important thing is to sweat. The impact is on freshness and health, but there's no need to push yourself," he said.
When tired, this Professor of Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta finds healing through reading and writing. "Reading stimulates fresh thinking. From there, writing is born. My expression when writing is like recreation. Some might consider this glorification, but for me, it's not, because that's what it is," explained the man who has published dozens of books on various themes.
Playing with Grandchildren
Another thing that makes his life colorful and beautiful is playing with his two grandchildren. From his marriage to Siti Noordjannah Djohantini, he was blessed with two children: Hilma Nadhifa Mujahidah and Nuha Aulia Rahman. Now, two grandchildren complete his life.
Haedar Nashir honestly admits that his actions sometimes violate the rules set by his children. "Playing with my two grandchildren adds color to my life. Even if it's not normal, in the sense that the ones who like to 'spoil' the grandchildren are their grandparents," he said with a characteristic laugh.
The thing is, his grandparents love to spoil their grandchildren. This is the opposite of his parents. "I think it's just natural. When mom and dad are busy, we can play with the grandchildren. That's when the 'violations' occur. The important thing is not to overstep the line," continued the man, who earned his bachelor's degree from the Yogyakarta Village Community Development Academy (1990).
He admitted that when he plays with his grandchildren, the fatigue from organizational and campus activities disappears after chatting with them. "I apologize, I don't mean to bother those of you who don't have grandchildren yet," said the man who frequently travels between Jakarta and Yogyakarta to lead organizations. He himself prefers to take the train.
Regarding Cardboard from Residents
When visiting areas as a Muhammadiyah executive, Haedar Nashir often receives parcels of agricultural produce packed in cardboard boxes from residents. He believes this is a demonstration of their care and affection, and he appreciates it all. (Photo: Bambang Eros VOI, DI: Raga Granada VOI)
As the leader of the largest modern Islamic organization in the country, he frequently makes working visits throughout Indonesia. It's not uncommon for people to give him gifts wrapped in cardboard boxes. "It's a token of the people's love for us, who have come to visit them. The contents vary, sometimes sweet potatoes, potatoes, vegetables, even salted fish," said Haedar, who completed his Master's in Sociology at Gadjah Mada University (1998) and his Doctorate in Sociology at Gadjah Mada University (2007).
Once, after arriving home, some of the contents of his cardboard boxes had rotted due to the process and time. "I sorted them out, put some aside, and some I used. This isn't a gratification," rebutted the editor-in-chief of Suara Muhammadiyah magazine.
Muhammadiyah is a modern organization, but in practice it remains very modest. "For me, let them live their lives by building natural relationships," he continued.
One of Haedar's concerns is the inextricable connection between mobile phones and social media. He believes that people shouldn't overuse their phones. "Use it only as needed, remembering that there is other life around us that needs to be seen," said the man who has been involved in the Muhammadiyah organization since he was young.
"Nowadays, the instrumentalization of life is occurring, humans are becoming one-dimensional and instrumentalized. Simultaneously, their natural values are being lost. Ultimately, they are becoming insensitive to the environment. Because we live in nature, not in the digital space. Social media and cell phones must be managed well," concluded Haedar Nashir.
"The problem arises when the boundaries of values are crossed. Leaders cannot run the government arbitrarily. Likewise, the people must have standards in expressing themselves so they don't go too far. If these limits are violated, anarchy will ensue. All parties must exercise restraint and approach the situation with values and knowledge."
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