Babarsari is trending today on Twitter. The trending is because of the fight between two groups in Babarsari, Yogyakarta. Babarsari is a location where there are many boarding houses for university students.
When one has a problem personally, he brings his problem to his group. The members of the group respond emotionally. Finally, the conflict enters a wider scope.
The pride is not only in ethnic groups but also in mass organizations.
Is violence a solution when two groups are in conflict?
Mass fights like this also occur in other parts of Indonesia. The character of the Indonesian people, who are accustomed to living in large communities, evokes high solidarity. If one person is hurt, it means a group is hurt. The decision taken is revenge.
High solidarity should be a positive thing to be able to reduce personal problems into group problems. Whatever the name and for what reason, a settlement by fighting will inevitably lead to further violence. The legal process by law enforcement is the solution. Law enforcers must have the courage to take firm, correct, and procedural actions and take social aspects into account. If so, riots and group fights will not spread.
This is a glimpse of concern over the violence in Babarsari. Yogya has too many good memories. There is love, tears, jealousy, laughter, sorrow, friendship, and others. Do you miss Yogyakarta?