“Mesake Bangsaku”: A Reflection on Indonesia’s Current State
The Deep Meaning Behind “Mesake Bangsaku”
Reflecting on the current situation in Indonesia, I suddenly remembered the phrase “Mesake Bangsaku.” I first encountered this phrase while watching one of Panji Pragiwaksono’s stand-up comedy shows with the same theme.
The word mesake originates from the Javanese language and carries a profound philosophical meaning. It can be interpreted as “have mercy on”, “pity”, or “bless”, depending on the context. In some situations, mesake expresses deep sorrow for the nation’s suffering. In another sense, it could also be a form of hope, a plea for blessings upon the country.
The Widening Social Gap
The construction of social class divisions has created an ever-widening gap — where the rich become richer and the poor become poorer. The middle class seems to be disappearing, a change that became apparent after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the economy and widened social disparities.
According to a World Bank report, Indonesia’s Gini index — a measure of income inequality — continues to rise. The wealthy accumulate more wealth, while the middle class, once with purchasing power, now teeters on the edge of poverty. This phenomenon is evident in rising prices of essential goods, limited access to quality education for lower-income groups, and policies that favor corporations over the common people.
#IndonesiaGawatDarurat: A Reflection of Crisis
Recently, social media has been flooded with the hashtag #IndonesiaGawatDarurat (Indonesia in a State of Emergency). This reflects the severity of the ongoing crisis. While similar situations may have occurred in the past, the reach of technology today amplifies public awareness, making it easier to expose government incompetence.
One striking example is a minister who boldly questioned the nationalism of citizens responding to the #KaburAjaDulu (Just Escape First) movement. I had no desire to engage in a long debate on the matter — I could only laugh and shake my head. But then, how is your doctoral education case going, sir? Is it truly nationalistic, considering the administrative issues currently under investigation? Don’t be foolish, but then again, your name in Arabic does mean “fool.”
The Free Nutritious Meals Program: Policy or Political Tool?
The free nutritious meals (MBG) program, promoted with great enthusiasm, appears more like a hegemonic tool that glorifies political ego while neglecting long-term economic sustainability.
While I agree that ensuring food security is crucial, such a program should not be used as a mere political stunt without a clear long-term financial strategy. Worse yet, some officials have suggested that citizens contribute their income to help fund the program. This is absurd and structurally flawed.
I acknowledge that I carefully and personally chose the current leader, and I do not regret my decision. However, I will continue to act as a critical opposition voice against government policies that stem from sheer incompetence.
Pancasila: A Mere Decorative Symbol?
I am not a political expert, nor do I claim to have deep critical tendencies toward government policies. However, from my limited perspective, the principles of Pancasila seem to have been reduced to mere decorative plaques in office buildings — symbols with no real impact on the lives of the people.
The authorities are nothing more than distant figures hidden behind walls and fences, devoid of meaningful influence on the well-being of their citizens.
Does Education Still Matter in Indonesia?
Is this proof that education has failed in Indonesia? Perhaps education is simply not considered a priority.
How did Sukarno build Indonesia so grandly after independence without carefully examining its long-term foundations? Compare this to Japan after being bombarded — where Emperor Hirohito’s first concern was, “How many teachers do we have left?” Or Singapore, which in the late 1980s was merely a small peninsula yet prioritized education to transform into an economic powerhouse.
These countries have demonstrated that investing heavily in education leads to significant national progress. Yet in Indonesia, education and healthcare are not prioritized. Policies constantly shift without clear direction, salaries for honorary teachers remain unresolved, and performance allowances for lecturers go unpaid.
Is it any wonder that the #MosiTidakPercaya (Motion of No Confidence) movement resonates so strongly? People are not apathetic toward national issues — they are simply exhausted by the endless stream of nonsensical news that floods their screens daily.
The National Financial Crisis: A Public Policy Analyst’s Perspective
A few days ago, I asked a friend who works as a public policy analyst about the current situation. They stated that the government itself is struggling to navigate conflicting realities.
Reports and national financial statements allegedly do not align. Indonesia’s foreign debt has worsened since the previous administration, or perhaps the former president was forced to cut the national budget significantly to cover these financial gaps. If left unaddressed, essential national programs will struggle to materialize due to severe budget reductions.
Is There Still Hope for Indonesia?
Amid all this disappointment, is there still hope for Indonesia? The answer lies in all of us. Change does not come from one individual alone but from collective societal awareness.
The people hold the power to demand transparency and accountability. Social movements, political education, and active participation in democracy are real steps toward progress. History has proven that great transformations begin with small voices that refuse to be silenced.
Mesake Bangsaku — may this nation still have a chance to rise.
