“It is time for us to be wiser and more compassionate in making public statements,”Samarinda (ANTARA) - House of Representatives Commission X Chair Hetifah Sjaifudian on Sunday apologized for a recent tragedy linked to public protests and called for introspection within Parliament to better respond to citizens’ voices.
“Democracy thrives when people can express opinions freely and feel heard without fear,” she said during a Language and Literature Dissemination Forum in Samarinda, East Kalimantan.
She described the incident as a painful reminder that Parliament’s response to public concerns can have serious consequences for democratic life.
Hetifah urged lawmakers to use the moment as a turning point, emphasizing the need to listen with greater empathy and responsibility.
“It’s time we become wiser and more compassionate in our public remarks,” she said.
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While offering an apology, Hetifah acknowledged it would not be enough to regain public trust. As a concrete measure, the East Kalimantan legislator pledged to continue pushing for greater public participation in the legislative process.
She expressed full support for her party faction’s efforts to address public demands, including reviewing government spending, allowances, and the use of public facilities.
Hetifah also stressed the need for fair and transparent legal action in all cases where lives were lost during protests or demonstrations.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the victims. No citizen’s voice should ever cost a life,” she said.
She expressed hope that such tragedies would not happen again and called on all state institutions—especially Parliament—to use the incident as a wake-up call for systemic reform.
“This must be a lesson for all of us to better fulfill our duties as the people’s representatives,” she added.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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