Jakarta (ANTARA) - Prof. Din Syamsuddin, Muhammadiyah ex-chairman, made an appeal to prevent Indonesia from turning into a country of violence following the unrest erupting on May 21-23, 2019, that claimed several lives and injured hundreds of others.
"The events unfolding from May 21 to May 23 is an apparent rejection to the election result announced by the General Election Commission (KPU), viewed by some sections as being unfair. The violence is matter of major concern," he noted in a press statement here on Wednesday.
Over 10 people, including teenagers, lost their lives in vain, while the fate of several others is yet unknown.
"This is nothing but the upshot of appalling violence that occurred during the Holy month of Ramadhan. All parties -- the people and security officers -- should have exercised self-restraint, which is the essence of the Ramadhan fasting month," he emphasized.
The violence has tarnished the sanctity of Ramadhan, he pointed out.
"Furthermore, the physical violence that claimed several lives has snowballed into verbal aggression, with many engaging in a blame game with one another, and also accusing each other as well as claiming self-righteousness. This is the start of a national disaster," he cautioned.
Syamsuddin believes that the only solution lies in the state being present to uphold justice and truth.
"Lest the state is neglected and becomes a country of violence by promoting state violence," he reiterated.
Syamsuddin called to set up a fact-finding team to probe the May 21-23 violence.
"If not, the Ramadhan 2019 tragedy will become a dark page in our nation's history," he added.
Syamsuddin believes this is the opportune time to uphold justice and truth.
"Or otherwise, Allah, the Almighty, will uphold them, either in this world or the hereafter, certainly," he added.
