Jakarta (ANTARA) - Archbishop of Jakarta Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo has appealed to the public to uphold peace by remaining steadfast and clear-minded in responding to the ongoing protests that have erupted in several cities across Indonesia.

“In this particular situation, I encourage the faithful, especially Catholics under the Jakarta Archdiocese, to maintain their clarity and steadfastness,” the Archbishop of Jakarta said in his video remarks, as observed here on Monday.

Amid this period of turbulence, Suharyo urged people to strengthen social solidarity to achieve the shared goal of national prosperity.

“As Indonesians, in our respective roles, we are called to uphold the historical responsibility mandated by the Preamble of the Constitution,” the cardinal said.

“Let us maintain Indonesia together,” he added.

During Sunday Mass on August 31, Jakarta Archdiocese Secretary Vincentius Adi Prasojo also called on the faithful to show compassion and kindness.

“We hope that everyone will remain calm and look out for one another. Residents should be mindful of fellow residents,” he said.

Prasojo reminded the public not to damage public facilities, to seek information from credible sources, and to continue doing good for others despite the unrest. He also urged prayers for the restoration of national stability so that daily activities can resume without fear.

The appeals came after a new wave of widespread protests erupted nationwide following the death of Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver who was run over by a police vehicle during a protest near the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, August 28. In response, President Prabowo Subianto called on the public to remain calm and maintain their trust in the government.

In his Sunday address at the Presidential Palace, the president also said the House of Representatives (DPR) had agreed to open dialogue with the people, listen to public aspirations, and take follow-up measures.



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