Wednesday, 16 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ An emotionally charged atmosphere filled the Reset Indonesia book launch featuring author Benaya Harobu and investigative journalist Dandhy Dwi Laksono at Serayu Cafe and Space, Sei Serayu Road, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesian, on Thursday (February 5, 2026). The event took a poignant turn as Benaya Harobu broke down in tears while speaking about persistent educational inequality that continues to affect marginalized communities across Indonesia.
Read Also:The book discussion evolved into an open public forum addressing democracy, social justice, and the state's obligation to protect vulnerable groups. Participants from diverse backgrounds—including students, academics, and social activists—actively engaged in a lively and critical exchange of ideas.
A Deep Wound in Eastern Indonesia's Education System
Read Also:In his remarks, Benaya recounted the tragic story of a fourth-grade student from Jerebuu District, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The child reportedly took his own life after his parents were unable to afford basic school supplies and annual school fees totaling approximately IDR 1.2 million.
Speaking with a trembling voice, Benaya stressed that structural inequality in Indonesia's education system remains an open wound for impoverished communities.
"How could this not shake me? My younger brother from the East lost his life because of an unjust education system. This is a devastating blow to our collective conscience," Benaya said emotionally.He emphasized that the incident serves as a stark reminder that the state has yet to fully uphold its responsibility to guarantee the fundamental right to education for all citizens.
Critical Education as the Foundation of DemocracyBenaya explained that Reset Indonesia is the result of years of research presented through a narrative approach. Together with Dandhy Dwi Laksono, he aims to translate complex structural issues into accessible language for a broader audience.
"Critical education is the key to strengthening public participation in a democracy," Benaya stated.He urged the public to courageously question policies that fail to serve the interests of ordinary people. Reading and open discussion, he added, are essential first steps toward building collective awareness and resistance against injustice.
Amplifying Silenced Social and Environmental VoicesDandhy Dwi Laksono noted that Reset Indonesia emerged from deep concern over structural problems often sidelined in public discourse. The book documents voices that have long been ignored by mainstream narratives.
"This book invites readers not to remain mere spectators, but to take an active stance," Dandhy said, adding that it offers new frameworks for imagining Indonesia's future.
Panut Hadisiswoyo, Director of Green Justice Indonesia (GJI), also highlighted escalating environmental destruction in several regions, including Mandailing Natal in North Sumatra. He underscored the importance of public participation in protecting ecosystems and resisting harmful land-use changes."Without active public involvement, environmental destruction is inevitable. Forests will continue to be threatened, land will be converted, and communities will remain victims of natural disasters," Panut warned.
Event organizer Fika Rahma, CEO of Indata Komunika Cemerlang, described the discussion as dynamic, with many questions focusing on the role of the media, civic courage, and the challenges of conveying truth amid political pressure.The discussion also featured contributions from academic Ibnu Avena Matondang and writers Eka Delanta Rehulina and Ranggini Triono from North Sumatra. (IDNC)
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