Cardinal Suharyo calls for ‘national repentance’ to address Indonesia's ills
Religious leaders and intellectuals from the National Conscience movement speak out in a country engulfed in protests and unrest, while President Prabowo threatens a harsh response. Cardinal Suharyo calls on Indonesians to have the courage to acknowledge weaknesses and errors in every branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial). The demands of the people must be met and elite privileges must be challenged.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Card Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta and former president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI), has called for “national repentance” as a way to meet the various challenges facing Indonesia, shaken by street protests and unrest, which President Prabowo Subianto has promised to harshly suppress.
The cardinal spoke last night at a press conference attended by prominent figures from various religions and academic institutions united in the National Conscience movement.
In his address, the prelate emphasised how the country today must have the courage to acknowledge its weaknesses and mistakes in every branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial).
“Let us carry out national repentance. That, in my view, is what is most needed right now. Otherwise, I don’t know what direction we are heading,” Card Suharyo said.
In yesterday’s press conference at the Gerakan Nurani Bangsa (National Consciousness Movement), the cardinal warned that an attitude of denial would only keep the nation at an impasse. “If we deny (our problems), we will get nowhere,” he stressed.
Cardinal Suharyo also highlighted the constructive criticism and ideas often expressed by academics, public figures, and civil society groups. However, he noted that such voices often end up being mere words.
“My request is this: please listen to the thoughts, ideas, and proposals – especially from academics who have no other interest except love for the homeland. Let them be heard, considered, and seriously reflected upon together,” he said.
In closing, the cardinal reminded those present of the country's founding ideals and the vision of "Indonesia Emas 2045" (Golden Indonesia 2045). He explained that these aspirations can only be realised if the country is honest in assessing its current conditions and has the courage to repent, joining forces for a common goal.
Regarding protests, as a youth leader announced, a student demonstration is planned for today near the parliament building after plans for a meeting with government representatives to discuss the violent incidents of recent days fell through.
Led by university students, workers, and rights groups, last week's protests in the heart of the capital against police violence and government spending priorities have spread across much of the country.
Fuelling the unrest is the iron fist used by police and law enforcement, which, according to human rights groups, has resulted in at least 10 deaths and a thousand people injured, with incidents of looting and rioting. Human rights groups have condemned the use of force by police.
In an open letter addressed to the president, as head of state and government, the National Conscience movement highlighted concerns and requests, starting from an ethical and non-partisan perspective, aimed at strengthening Indonesia's spirit and ideals.
The first point in the letter is the value of humanity and alignment with the people's directives, which must become the "foundation and the main orientation" in formulating state policies. This requires a stop to acts of violence and repression against demonstrations, which are part of freedom of opinion and expression.
This is followed by a call for ethical and empathetic leadership, especially if people are angered and frustrated when they see members of the ruling elite – in the executive, judiciary, legislative, and even law enforcement – show insensitivity towards the suffering of parts of the country.
Priorities include police reform, economic stability, and a strengthening of welfare, not to mention cutting the privileges of the ruling elite that bloat public spending. This also requires enforcing a virtuous principle of "transparency" in the allowances and benefits for public officials.
The National Conscience movement is backed by men and women, Christians and Muslims, politicians and intellectuals, religious leaders and activists like former Indonesian first lady Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid, Kiai Hajj Ahmad Mustofa Bisri, Cardinal Suharyo, Father Franz Magnis-Suseno SJ, Bhikkhu Pannyavaro Mahathera, Rev Gomar Gultom, Makarim Wibisono, Komaruddin Hidayat, and Slamet Rahardjo.
The open letter to the president goes on to call for upholding the principle of civilian supremacy in democratic governance, while simultaneously boosting the professionalism of the armed forces and the police, so that they can focus on their tasks and functions.
This is coupled with the need to build up public awareness persuasively, encourage mutual care among citizens, and reject violence, destruction, and looting.
The final point touches religious leaders, cultural figures, academics, and leaders of places of worship, who are urged to pray continuously and work actively “for the safety of our beloved nation”.
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