Rocky Gerung Commends National Police Chief’s Emphasis on Unity and Diversity
Indonesia is witnessing a renewed focus on social cohesion, as prominent academic Rocky Gerung lauded remarks made by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo regarding the importance of “caring for friendship and respecting differences.” The praise came following a traditional award ceremony hosted by the Riau Malay Customary Institution (LAMR) on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Gerung highlighted the significance of General Sigit’s message, recalling a recent meeting between the Police Chief and religious leader Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS) at the Nurul Azhar Islamic Boarding School in Rumbai, Pekanbaru. “This morning, I listened to a very good argument from the National Police Chief during the reception of traditional awards,” Gerung stated. “The two key words that I remember are, ‘Life is caring for friendship and respecting differences.’”
The philosophical lecturer explained that while many Indonesians readily connect with those within their immediate circles, extending that same openness to those with differing viewpoints often proves challenging. “Malay culture has sustained this nation for centuries because of two core ideas: friendship and embracing differences,” he asserted.
Gerung believes that genuine connection flourishes within diversity. He emphasized that forging relationships with individuals from different backgrounds requires conscious effort. “If I am friends with an ordinary environment, befriending people with different perspectives needs to be cultivated,” he said. “I consider this a message—not a theological or academic one, but an ethical imperative for all of us.”
General Sigit’s message, according to Gerung, aims to revitalize Indonesia’s rich cultural and national diversity through the principles of friendship and mutual respect. The Police Chief’s vision extends beyond social harmony, encompassing environmental stewardship. Gerung noted General Sigit’s frequent consultations with Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan, focused on developing a “green policing” concept. “He is an academic, a police officer, and is striving to create a conceptually sound approach to policing centered around environmental sustainability,” Gerung explained. “Every time I visit a campus, people ask, ‘Is that officer from Pekanbaru?’ Yes, it’s green policing—a truly unique initiative.”
UAS, the host of the meeting at Nurul Azhar, expressed his delight at welcoming General Sigit and a delegation from the Police Headquarters and Riau Regional Police. He playfully described the Islamic boarding school as “star-studded” due to the high-profile visit. “Today, Nurul Azhar truly shines—a two-star, a three-star, a four-star institution,” UAS joked. “Perhaps a five-star honor would be overwhelming, and a seven-star honor might give us a headache, but today, we are incredibly happy.”
The emphasis on unity and diversity signals a potentially transformative approach to policing and community relations in Indonesia, one that prioritizes understanding and collaboration.
