Cabinet Secretary: Hate Speech to Decline Sooner or Later

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung delivers his speech at the 64th Anniversary of Padang State University, at the Auditorium of Padang State University, West Sumatra, Saturday (20/10). (Photo by: Dindha M/Public Relations).

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said democracy in Indonesia is currently ‘controlled’ by social media. In the future people might not read newspapers and watch television anymore because everything is available in their gadget.

“If I am standing here and broadcasted in live streaming, people can watch me from anywhere in real time,” the Secretary said when delivering a speech at the 64th Anniversary of Padang State University, at the Auditorium of Padang State University, West Sumatra, Saturday (20/10).

Even though the portrait of our social media’s society today is filled with hatred, according to Pramono, this is part of our political maturation process. He expressed his confidence that sooner or later the hatred will decline.

According to the Secretary, we must learn from the people of West Sumatra to provide the ulemas and the scholars their portions to build Indonesia.

“Indeed, the three pillars of the nation (legislative, executive, judicial) have been implemented in the daily life of the people of West Sumatra and we must appreciate them because all the regional elections in West Sumatra always end up peacefully,” Pramono said, adding that such democracy is a true democracy, where different opinions and different choices are common.

Previously at the beginning of his remarks, the Secretary said that the foreign nations view Indonesia as a role model of democracy and all world leaders give their appreciation to political maturation process in Indonesia.

Pramono said that we may have different political choices. “Because diversity is our strength and because of our unity, we can solve all the problems that occur democratically,” he said.

Regarding the 2019 election, the Secretary invited all Padang University students to use their vote because every single vote really matters.

“Please use your vote rationally because in the 2019 election will determine our country’s direction in the long run,” Pramono said, adding that he also expressed his hope that the 2019 election will bring good to the Indonesian people in the future.

Also present during the event were Rector of Padang State University Prof. Drs. H. Ganefri, M.Pd., Ph.D and heads of program at Padang State University, and the entire university academic community. (DND/DID/ES) (GWH/AW/Naster)