Jakarta - In recent weeks, the national media has been filled with news of violence. For instance, there was the clash between students of SMAN 6 Jakarta and journalists (19/09). There was also the incident of statue destruction carried out by a group of residents as a protest against their Regent, who built the statue using the state budget in Purwakarta. Previously, we also witnessed the riots in Ambon that paralyzed the city for several days.
These events seem to give the impression that our nation is a brutal one. Not just its people. Even their representatives in the DPR (House of Representatives) were caught on camera performing similar actions, throwing bottles and used mineral water glasses at the session chairman during a plenary session, an incident that led to chaos in the session hall, ultimately witnessed by all Indonesian citizens.
At first glance, the impression gained from the incidents above is that our nation is fond of violence. It seems true what a sociologist once said: that our nation's temperament is emotional, and once it has been unleashed, all matters are considered settled.
Yet, if we recall our school days, we often received lessons on morals and good character. In fact, the Indonesian nation was once known as a highly cultured people, fond of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), tolerant, helpful, forgiving, and capable of respecting and appreciating others despite their many differences.
It's unclear which is true. If the sociologist's opinion holds truth, then we ought to seek evidence to support it.
We all know that Indonesian history is largely marked by bloodshed and violence. Be it before the colonial era, during colonization, or in the era of independence and reform.
So, is that truly our nation's inherent character? Or is it a legacy from the colonizers?
Perhaps it's true, perhaps it's false. But beyond all those possibilities, no human being loves violence. Humans need tranquility and compassion. If all problems are resolved through war, then where are the souls that yearn for peace?(Satrio)