Stop the anarchy! Regain trust. Remove Bourgeois Members of Parliement

— Eko B. Supriyanto, Chairman of Infobank Media Group

Recently, peaceful demonstrations have turned anarchic before tragic events occur. Riots and looting have occurred since Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver, was run over by a Brimob Rantis car. To prevent a repeat of 1998, the government must respond to the people’s concerns and regain their trust.

If mishandled, we could repeat the events that led to a banking crisis and the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) policy, resulting in a bailout through a banking recapitalization program costing Rp640.9 trillion.

From a psychological perspective: What we are witnessing is not mere insensitivity but an acute pathology of power, or the narcissism of power. Council members who “dance merrily” amid the cries of suffocating people perfectly manifest narcissistic personality disorder at the collective level.

Plus, it’s a parade of the newly rich in the midst of a pool of people’s tears. They are trapped in an elite, transparent bubble where people are nothing more than malleable statistics that can be ignored.

The psychology of the demonstrators is easy to understand. This is the culmination of accumulated frustration. Seeing such blatant inequality—the disparity between subsidies and the difficulty of finding work—is a more powerful trigger than price increases alone.

Although it is unjustifiable, the looting of the homes of members of parliament and senior ministers is a form of “primitive venting” against a system that is considered to have looted their lives first. It is the language of people who no longer have words, only rage. The tragedy of the motorcycle taxi driver who was run over by a Brimob armored vehicle was just the “spark that ignited the haystack” of hatred that had already been building up.

From an economic perspective, meanwhile, the high growth rate of 5.12 percent is merely a statistic. The budget for the 580 members of the House of Representatives is Rp9.9 trillion. If averaged among the 580 members, each will receive Rp17.07 billion per year. This includes salaries, special staff, and travel to meet with constituents. The problem is that the government tells the people to be efficient, yet the DPR’s budget has increased.

The most heartbreaking paradox in our economic narrative is “jobless growth.” The economy is growing, yet employment opportunities are shrinking. The budget is growing, yet people’s well-being is uneven. This is a sign that something is seriously wrong with our economic structure. This growth may be driven by capital-intensive sectors, such as commodities, that absorb little labor, or by consumption among the upper middle class, whose gap with the lower classes is widening.

The DPR’s budget increase to Rp9.9 trillion is the “wrong incentive” at the most inopportune time. Rather than cutting bloated political costs and allocating the funds to productive sectors such as education, health, and labor-intensive infrastructure, the government is essentially giving the players “steroids.” Public money that should be used to create a safety net is being used to fund lavish parties for the elite instead.

Meanwhile, the impact on the people’s economy is clear. For example, inflation triggered by tax increases and rising commodity prices will further stifle purchasing power. The resilience of poor and lower-middle-class households will collapse. The business environment will become uncertain as businesses see that the government is not serious about creating social stability.

Not only that, The capital market will react negatively to political and social instability. Look at how the Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) is weakening because investors fear a country on the brink of unrest. The rupiah exchange rate will also be depressed by negative sentiment and the potential for capital flight, as investors seek safer havens.

From a socio-political perspective, meanwhile, this is a deconstruction of the social contract. The “evil” acts of looting are clear evidence of a “fracture in the social contract” between rulers and the ruled. The people feel that their representatives have violated the contract first.

If the people’s representatives live in luxury while those they represent suffer, their legitimacy is questionable. The unsympathetic remarks and “OKB” behavior of officials are not merely slips of the tongue but betrayals of their mandate. The government can no longer take a “business as usual” approach or simply condemn the looting. This is a superficial response that does not address the root of the problem.

Replacing problematic members of the House of Representatives would only simulate change, like moving chairs on a sinking ship. Nevertheless, it needs to be done by a political cartel consisting of party leaders.

So, what needs to be done? According to a brief discussion between the Infobank editorial team and several other parties, there are at least two important things to consider. First, there is an issue for the government and the House of Representatives. They should impose a moratorium on increases in allowances and facilities. For example, they could withdraw the policy to increase the House of Representatives’ budget.

They should also show empathy through concrete actions, such as tightening their own belts first. They should not dance around the issue, as this culture of dancing around seems to have become a new “culture” among politicians and officials. They have either become disconnected from the people or simply do not understand the essence of being an official, as evidenced by their “Petruk Jadi Ratu” or “Kere Munggah Bale” mentality.

Additionally, fiscal policy must be adjusted to benefit the people. Shift the budget from political subsidies to targeted social subsidies. Create massive, labor-intensive programs.

Most importantly, the president must go directly to the people with humility to listen, not with tight security. One of the best examples is how Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X approached demonstrators with a cultural approach, calming them down.

Also, form an independent team to redesign the remuneration and accountability system for state officials. Adjust the budget for members of the House of Representatives, which has increased by nearly 50% from last year. The government must carry out structural reforms. For example, they should fix the economic structure to promote inclusive growth and create quality jobs.

Second, address the public and the business community, including banks. Civil society should continue to apply pressure through constitutional and intelligent means. Use judicial reviews, class action lawsuits, and media advocacy to demand accountability. Do not resort to violence or looting. Stop anarchist actions. Stop the violence that will ultimately harm ordinary people.

Currently, Indonesia is facing economic pressure not only due to reckless borrowing over the past 10 years, but also due to other factors. It is a “moral crisis and a crisis of legitimacy.” The actions of the House of Representatives members are a “death dance” for public trust. The state must choose whether to continue the OKB party, which will result in demonstrations from the people.

Or, it can make a total correction by tearing down the wall of “narcissism” that separates the elite from the people. The choice is in the hands of the ruling government. Remove the members of the House of Representatives who can only “dance,” the bourgeoisie, and the narcissists. Also remove problematic officials and reshuffle the “KW3” or “tin can” ministers who are busy posting narcissistic content on social media while traffic jams and sirens blaring fill the streets.

Hopefully, Indonesia will be fine. Stop the anarchist demonstrations because Indonesia is too precious to be destroyed by anger alone. We had a bad experience in 1998, which destroyed the entire banking sector and business world. The cost was too high. There was the BLBI, as well as a bailout and recapitalization program reaching Rp640.9 trillion. It was a bitter experience, and it must not be repeated.

History shows that when the elite “dance” on the suffering of the people, it always ends in an “explosion.” Before it’s too late, the government must regain the people’s trust and stop the “dancing” and narcissism of OKB officials amid the many difficulties the people are facing. (*)

Stop the anarchy! Regain trust. Remove “Canned” Officials and “Bourgeois” Members of Parliament

— Eko B. Supriyanto, Chairman of Infobank Media Group

Recently, peaceful demonstrations have turned anarchic before tragic events occur. Riots and looting have occurred since Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver, was run over by a Brimob Rantis car. To prevent a repeat of 1998, the government must respond to the people’s concerns and regain their trust.

If mishandled, we could repeat the events that led to a banking crisis and the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) policy, resulting in a bailout through a banking recapitalization program costing Rp640.9 trillion.

From a psychological perspective: What we are witnessing is not mere insensitivity but an acute pathology of power, or the narcissism of power. Council members who “dance merrily” amid the cries of suffocating people perfectly manifest narcissistic personality disorder at the collective level.

Plus, it’s a parade of the newly rich in the midst of a pool of people’s tears. They are trapped in an elite, transparent bubble where people are nothing more than malleable statistics that can be ignored.

The psychology of the demonstrators is easy to understand. This is the culmination of accumulated frustration. Seeing such blatant inequality—the disparity between subsidies and the difficulty of finding work—is a more powerful trigger than price increases alone.

Although it is unjustifiable, the looting of the homes of members of parliament and senior ministers is a form of “primitive venting” against a system that is considered to have looted their lives first. It is the language of people who no longer have words, only rage. The tragedy of the motorcycle taxi driver who was run over by a Brimob armored vehicle was just the “spark that ignited the haystack” of hatred that had already been building up.

From an economic perspective, meanwhile, the high growth rate of 5.12 percent is merely a statistic. The budget for the 580 members of the House of Representatives is Rp9.9 trillion. If averaged among the 580 members, each will receive Rp17.07 billion per year. This includes salaries, special staff, and travel to meet with constituents. The problem is that the government tells the people to be efficient, yet the DPR’s budget has increased.

The most heartbreaking paradox in our economic narrative is “jobless growth.” The economy is growing, yet employment opportunities are shrinking. The budget is growing, yet people’s well-being is uneven. This is a sign that something is seriously wrong with our economic structure. This growth may be driven by capital-intensive sectors, such as commodities, that absorb little labor, or by consumption among the upper middle class, whose gap with the lower classes is widening.

The DPR’s budget increase to Rp9.9 trillion is the “wrong incentive” at the most inopportune time. Rather than cutting bloated political costs and allocating the funds to productive sectors such as education, health, and labor-intensive infrastructure, the government is essentially giving the players “steroids.” Public money that should be used to create a safety net is being used to fund lavish parties for the elite instead.

Meanwhile, the impact on the people’s economy is clear. For example, inflation triggered by tax increases and rising commodity prices will further stifle purchasing power. The resilience of poor and lower-middle-class households will collapse. The business environment will become uncertain as businesses see that the government is not serious about creating social stability.

Not only that, The capital market will react negatively to political and social instability. Look at how the Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) is weakening because investors fear a country on the brink of unrest. The rupiah exchange rate will also be depressed by negative sentiment and the potential for capital flight, as investors seek safer havens.

From a socio-political perspective, meanwhile, this is a deconstruction of the social contract. The “evil” acts of looting are clear evidence of a “fracture in the social contract” between rulers and the ruled. The people feel that their representatives have violated the contract first.

If the people’s representatives live in luxury while those they represent suffer, their legitimacy is questionable. The unsympathetic remarks and “OKB” behavior of officials are not merely slips of the tongue but betrayals of their mandate. The government can no longer take a “business as usual” approach or simply condemn the looting. This is a superficial response that does not address the root of the problem.

Replacing problematic members of the House of Representatives would only simulate change, like moving chairs on a sinking ship. Nevertheless, it needs to be done by a political cartel consisting of party leaders.

So, what needs to be done? According to a brief discussion between the Infobank editorial team and several other parties, there are at least two important things to consider. First, there is an issue for the government and the House of Representatives. They should impose a moratorium on increases in allowances and facilities. For example, they could withdraw the policy to increase the House of Representatives’ budget.

They should also show empathy through concrete actions, such as tightening their own belts first. They should not dance around the issue, as this culture of dancing around seems to have become a new “culture” among politicians and officials. They have either become disconnected from the people or simply do not understand the essence of being an official, as evidenced by their “Petruk Jadi Ratu” or “Kere Munggah Bale” mentality.

Additionally, fiscal policy must be adjusted to benefit the people. Shift the budget from political subsidies to targeted social subsidies. Create massive, labor-intensive programs.

Most importantly, the president must go directly to the people with humility to listen, not with tight security. One of the best examples is how Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X approached demonstrators with a cultural approach, calming them down.

Also, form an independent team to redesign the remuneration and accountability system for state officials. Adjust the budget for members of the House of Representatives, which has increased by nearly 50% from last year. The government must carry out structural reforms. For example, they should fix the economic structure to promote inclusive growth and create quality jobs.

Second, address the public and the business community, including banks. Civil society should continue to apply pressure through constitutional and intelligent means. Use judicial reviews, class action lawsuits, and media advocacy to demand accountability. Do not resort to violence or looting. Stop anarchist actions. Stop the violence that will ultimately harm ordinary people.

Currently, Indonesia is facing economic pressure not only due to reckless borrowing over the past 10 years, but also due to other factors. It is a “moral crisis and a crisis of legitimacy.” The actions of the House of Representatives members are a “death dance” for public trust. The state must choose whether to continue the OKB party, which will result in demonstrations from the people.

Or, it can make a total correction by tearing down the wall of “narcissism” that separates the elite from the people. The choice is in the hands of the ruling government. Remove the members of the House of Representatives who can only “dance,” the bourgeoisie, and the narcissists. Also remove problematic officials and reshuffle the “KW3” or “tin can” ministers who are busy posting narcissistic content on social media while traffic jams and sirens blaring fill the streets.

Hopefully, Indonesia will be fine. Stop the anarchist demonstrations because Indonesia is too precious to be destroyed by anger alone. We had a bad experience in 1998, which destroyed the entire banking sector and business world. The cost was too high. There was the BLBI, as well as a bailout and recapitalization program reaching Rp640.9 trillion. It was a bitter experience, and it must not be repeated.

History shows that when the elite “dance” on the suffering of the people, it always ends in an “explosion.” Before it’s too late, the government must regain the people’s trust and stop the “dancing” and narcissism of OKB officials amid the many difficulties the people are facing. (*)