On 2024 Indonesian General Election

Awareness takes time, but the longer it takes, the bigger the chaos will be.

April 22, 2024

All jokes aside, it took scientists almost a century to convince society that global warming is real. It took Indonesia 32 years to wake up and learn how Soeharto’s manipulative policies and controlled information kept them in the dark.

Awareness takes time. Just because you don’t see something doesn’t mean everything is fine. Take into consideration that something is quietly waiting to explode.

Prabowo’s (and Jokowi’s) clear and well-documented roles in violating human rights are, by nature, no different from the global warming crisis. The key blocker is that not everyone feels the impact firsthand.

The fact that we, as a society, rarely hold politicians and their corrupt, self-serving systems accountable has brought us to this point — not because we’re stupid, but because we’re pragmatic.

Not everyone has witnessed friends or family members being kidnapped, silently executed, or tortured in prison simply for expressing their thoughts through art, writing, or music.

Not everyone has seen, with their own eyes, how deeply corrupt our police and military institutions are, both morally and ethically.

Some people have found their own menara gading — a comfortable tower of privilege, packed with financial security, cozy couches, and fancy things. It’s no wonder so many have chosen to stick with the status quo.

The most upsetting part is that we’ve just laid the foundation for even greater chaos to erupt in the future, and the victims won’t be us. Once again, it will be the next generation — our children, our nieces, and our nephews.

Awareness takes time, but the longer it takes, the bigger the chaos will be.