Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Professor Mahfud MD criticized legal enforcement as arbitrary and for failing to uphold equality before the law and government.
He stressed the need for justice and fairness in governance.
“The most relevant thing right now is that we need to build public welfare through democratic politics and governance, which does not act arbitrarily and upholds law and justice based on the principle of equality before the law and government,” said Professor Mahfud during the Diversity Dialogue held in commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of UGM’s Faculty of Law (FH UGM), Wednesday (Feb. 5), at the Auditorium B of FH UGM.
Professor Mahfud highlighted the current generation’s difficulties in finding jobs or business opportunities due to the persistent practices of corruption, collusion, and nepotism.
“If you want to apply for a government job but don’t have connections, you get sidelined. If you want to apply to the police, they ask for money. You’re reported for slander when you don’t pass and ask for your money back. You could even go to prison,” Professor Mahfud said.
Additionally, he pointed out how young people struggle to obtain business permits due to complicated bureaucracy.
“Young entrepreneurs or startups go to Singapore or Dubai for permits instead of to the government. They get it in one day. Of course, the taxes go there. In our own country, we face discrimination and unfair treatment, weakening unity,” he explained.
According to Professor Mahfud, the strength of corruption, collusion, and nepotism can weaken the spirit of unity and patriotism among the younger generation, especially since they are not participants in the independence struggle.
The sense of nationalism and love for the homeland is vastly different from that of the freedom fighters.
“We didn’t participate in the war. The historical actors are almost gone. The current generation communicates with Western ideas. Therefore, this new generation has new needs that a pro-people government must meet,” he said.
Professor Mahfud emphasized that unity among all elements of society is a key factor in Indonesia’s success in building a sovereign nation.
All layers of Indonesian society are responsible for maintaining diversity. This approach will create social justice. Therefore, differences based on primordial ties such as race, ethnicity, and region should no longer be divisive for Indonesia.
After all, the success of the Golden Indonesia program in 2045 also greatly depends on the country’s stability.
Meanwhile, Father Alexius A. Binawan stated that the state plays a vital role in maintaining tolerance among fellow citizens from various races, ethnicities, cultures, and religions through respect, treatment, and recognition.
Dr. Dahliana Hasan, Dean of FH UGM, noted that the Diversity Dialogue was part of the faculty’s 79th anniversary celebration.
“This anniversary opens with a diversity dialogue. The faculty itself reflects diversity, as its lecturers and staff come from different regions with different religions. At the very least, we aim to foster diversity through tolerance and humanity, which can contribute better to society, the nation, and the country,” she concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto