Breath of fresh air

Kompas – February 4, 2024

[From an oped piece in Kompas com by Firman Noor titled "Angin Segar dari Kampus".]

Over the last few days, we have become witness to the emergence of a phenomena that is critical and full of wisdom from various campuses in Indonesia, which have voiced concerns about the state of our nation at the moment. It is as if they are responding to each other in articulating this truth.

This situation is a breath of fresh air and a hope in itself for a nation that is currently afflicted with acute political problems. From the weakening of democracy, both substantially as well as procedurally, a growing attitude of anti-constitutionalism by those in power, to the weakening of ethics in political life.

Not a few in society felt their own attitudes and views had been channelled by the actions of the intellectuals from the campuses.

What has been done by the professors and educators at the various campuses is in line with the view of Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) on the true intellectual. Several years ago, the well-known existentialist philosopher from France said that intellectuals that are not concerned with social and political life and have fully compromised with the authorities are false intellectuals.

Conversely, a true intellectual is one that is concerned about the situation around them and contributes ideas to solve the problems confronted by the country and society.

Sartre's message is clear, a true intellectual is not a person who remains silent and lives in an ivory castle when they are needed to take a position in response to important developments in real life.

As a group that is enlightened, it is expected that intellectuals can spread this enlightenment so that everything remains within the shelter of the corridors of reasoning that is logical, objective and full of beneficial solutions. In this position, intellectuals represent one of the "bright lights" needed by the nation.

The important role of intellectuals in socio-political life does have its own significance and we should be grateful for still having it.

From time to time, they became one of the elements that cawe-cawe (to meddle) in order to make improvements in the nation, ranging from initiating independence to overthrowing the tyranny of the regime in power.

In short, their critical role has helped guide the direction of the development of the nation, amidst fatigue over the atmosphere of political life that is so gloomy. We should remember and be proud of the role of the intelligentsia.

The authorities' response

Unfortunately, the authorities' response to these anxieties was the same as always. Instead of paying attention to these critical views seriously and substantially, the authorities' response was casually off hand. The President as the object of the criticism responded briefly by saying it was just "part of democracy". Only that.

His supporters even responded sarcastically to the position taken by the campuses by calling them partisan towards certain political interests, without being able to prove the accusations.

An attitude that feels like they're "immune to input" can actually be understood. This attitude is the tip of the iceberg of the cold attitude which is formatted by a political environment where the ruler can do no wrong...

Related:

The full article in Bahasa Indonesia can be read here: https://www.kompas.id/baca/opini/2024/02/04/angin-segar-dari-kampus