Unraveling Political Symbols Amid Turbulent Demonstration

JAKARTA The wave of demonstrations over the past week has brought up the dark face of democracy. The looting took place at the homes of members of the DPR and ministers, leaving deep wounds. Indonesia seemed to have lost a role model in times of crisis. More than just figures, this country needs clear rules of the game so that politics does not run in place.

Political observer Ray Rangkuti said that the younger generation is getting more pragmatic, tends to get involved in actions that are actually detrimental to the nation. This nation needs a figure with a clean character. Our system is not bad, but loses character to build. If this is resolved, the fifth precept of Pancasila is in sight," he said.

According to Ray, today's politicians are more busy building image than character. Democracy is not just a rule, but ethics and morals. Like the hadith of the Prophet: as well as humans are the most beneficial to others. That's higher than the rules," he said.

Symbolic Language In The Middle Of Crisis

The demonstration, which began on August 25, heated up until it led to riots in various areas. In a week, at least seven people died. The first victim was online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan in Jakarta. Three fatalities were recorded in Makassar, three others in Yogyakarta.

This precarious situation raises wild issues about the imposition of martial law. However, Deputy TNI Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita immediately denied it. TNI obeys the constitution. Police remain in front, TNI is one with the Police," he said, Saturday night, August 30.

Interestingly, when President Prabowo Subianto invited state officials to Hambalang on August 31, it was the Minister of Defense General (Ret.) Sjafrie Samsoeddin who appeared to give a press statement. He stood flanked by the TNI Commander, Tri matra chiefs of staff, the National Police Chief, the Head of BIN, to the Minister of Home Affairs. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan did not appear to attend.

From the perspective of public communication, this symbol is strong. The presence of the Minister of Defense in public gave a message that the government put forward a defense figure. In fact, since the 1998 reform, the civil supremacy was emphasized: The Police were separated from the TNI and placed directly under the President. In a structural manner, domestic security affairs remain in the hands of civilians.

Functions and Limitations

Presidential Regulation No. 139 of 2024 confirms that the coordination function across political, legal and security sectors is with the coordinating ministry. Not technical implementers, but directors so that the TNI, Polri, BIN, and legal institutions run in rhythm.

Meanwhile, Law no. 3 of 2002 places the Minister of Defense as a formulation of general defense policies, including budget management and foreign defense cooperation. His role in the Minister of Defense in domestic affairs is limited.

the former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD once reminded that the position of coordinator is not a structural leader. "The Coordinating Minister has veto rights, it can cancel the technical minister's policy if it is not in accordance with the President's vision," he said.

Finally That Figure Speaks!

Although he did not appear directly, on the ministry's official website, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan presented a message of condolences to Affan Kurniawan's family. The government promised to conduct a transparent investigation. The authorities were reminded to prioritize a persuasive approach in guarding the action. "The apparatus must be present as a protector," wrote an official statement.

But for the public, the absence of a civil coordination figure in a press conference actually presents a symbolic interpretation. In a crisis, symbols are sometimes stronger than the content of the speech. The presence of the Defense Minister at the forefront raises debate: is the country still upholding the principle of civil leadership of the military?

The Civil Society Coalition strongly criticized Sjafrie's statement that said the TNI maintains security and order. "Constitutionally, the function of the military is defense. Internal security is the duty of the Police," they said in a written statement, Monday, September 1.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan finally appeared in public. His appearance after chairing a coordination meeting discussed post-demonstrative security conditions which previously led to riots in a number of areas. The Coordinating Minister emphasized that the situation in general is gradually starting to return to normal.

"Thank God, today's conditions are getting more and more normal, more conducive, and this is a situation that we must maintain together. The wheels of society's economy and activities are starting to run, and we must continue to maintain it," said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Jakarta, Tuesday (2/9/2025).

The Coordinating Minister explained, as the results of the cabinet meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday (31/8), there were several main directions:

1. Formulate measurable steps in dealing with anarchist actions.2. Build discussions on social media that are more constructive and healthier. 3. Involving religious leaders and community leaders to cool the atmosphere. 4. Prepare for strength assistance to the capital city from the region if needed.