Saya Baik-baik Saja.

Summary

In this personal and candid video, Feri Irwandi opens up about his journey from being a civil servant to becoming an influential figure in activism. He discusses his stance against the recent Military Law (RUU TNI), which he believes encroaches on civilian governance, and highlights the importance of education in his future plans. Reflecting on his past experiences, including facing personal attacks and media manipulation, Feri shares his thoughts on the ongoing political struggles in Indonesia. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to establishing a better educational system and prioritizes this goal above all else in the coming years.

Takeaways

• 😀 Feri Irwandi, a regular civilian, reflects on his unexpected journey from a bureaucratic job to becoming an outspoken public figure.
• 😀 Feri initially didn’t want to create a video, but the constant inquiries from the public about his well-being and activities led him to share his story.
• 😀 He strongly opposes the new TNI (Indonesian Military) law, highlighting the ideological reasons for his opposition, particularly the risk of military involvement in civilian affairs.
• 😀 Feri believes the military is trained for combat and not for managing civilian matters, which makes their involvement in civil affairs dangerous.
• 😀 His social media posts, particularly regarding the TNI law, gained massive attention, leading to a shift in his life, including character assassination attempts against him.
• 😀 Feri faced smear campaigns online, but he remained calm, seeing them as a form of strategic opposition, and explained the truth behind the accusations with his followers.
• 😀 He clarified his partnership with 'Close the Door' and emphasized that it was based on a mutual agreement, not a hierarchical one, despite rumors suggesting otherwise.
• 😀 Feri decided to withdraw temporarily from Twitter (now X) to avoid further personal attacks and to focus on more pressing, real-world actions.
• 😀 After stepping back, Feri found that avoiding social media led to a more peaceful mind and increased effectiveness in his efforts, realizing he didn’t need the online spotlight.
• 😀 Feri’s main goal for the next five years is to establish a university and focus on education, avoiding political positions such as becoming a minister.
• 😀 The public’s anger over the TNI law stems from concerns about its potential impact on civilian life, particularly regarding the law’s contents and the government's actions behind the scenes.

Q & A

What was the initial reason the speaker decided to make this video?

The speaker decided to make the video after receiving numerous messages asking about his well-being, current activities, and the events surrounding his life. He wanted to address these questions and share his experiences.

What is the speaker's main opposition regarding the new military law?

The speaker is strongly opposed to the new military law (RUU TNI) because he believes that the military is not trained or equipped to manage civilian affairs. He emphasizes that the military's role should remain focused on defense, not on civilian governance.

How does the speaker differentiate between military training and civil society needs?

The speaker argues that the military is trained to eliminate threats in combat situations, not to manage or humanize individuals. He points out that the military is not designed for civil discourse or governance, and that this mismatch poses a danger when they intervene in civilian matters.

What was the significance of the speaker’s Instagram post regarding the military law?

The speaker’s Instagram post about the military law gained significant attention, becoming one of the most widely reached posts on his account. This drew the public’s attention to the issue and marked a turning point in his activism.

How did the speaker react to the personal attacks against him on social media?

The speaker took the personal attacks in stride, expressing a mix of indifference and awe at how skillfully the attacks were framed. Despite being targeted, he did not harbor anger but instead focused on the effectiveness of the narratives used against him.

Why did the speaker decide to step away from Twitter (X)?

The speaker decided to leave Twitter (X) to focus on more pressing matters that required immediate action, particularly efforts that could save lives and needed his undivided attention. After taking a break for a few days, he felt more at peace and decided to permanently deactivate his account.

What is the speaker’s future goal regarding education?

The speaker’s primary goal in the next 5 to 10 years is to establish a higher education institution or university. He wants to prioritize education, with a focus on accessibility and affordability, and even aims to earn a doctorate during this period.

What does the speaker believe is the root cause of public anger regarding the military law?

The speaker identifies two main causes for the public’s anger: the initial draft of the military law being dismissed as fake, and the use of excessive military force during protests. He emphasizes that these actions make people feel manipulated and fearful, further fueling the protest movements.

What is the speaker’s perspective on foreign influence in the protest movements?

The speaker rejects the idea that foreign powers, such as George Soros, are behind the protests, dismissing these claims as baseless. He argues that the protests are driven by legitimate concerns about the law and the military's growing involvement in civilian affairs.

How does the speaker view the impact of social media on activism?

The speaker acknowledges the power of social media to amplify movements but also recognizes its potential to be manipulated. He points out that social media can spread misinformation and narratives that distort the truth, but it remains a vital tool for mobilizing people and raising awareness about critical issues.