Learning from the Ferry Irwandi Case: Rethinking Criticism and the Future of Democracy

The recent case of Ferry Irwandi, founder of the Malaka Project, who appeared in public wearing a Money Heist costume, has drawn significant public attention. His symbolic act was intended to express social concerns. Yet, the reaction it generated was disproportionate, reaching the level of high-ranking authorities. For many, this response illustrates a persistent perception that criticism remains dangerous in Indonesia’s public sphere.

On the one hand, the state has a legitimate interest in safeguarding stability. On the other hand, citizens also hold the democratic right to voice their anxieties, even through unconventional and creative forms of expression. This tension often creates the impression that criticism is synonymous with criminalization. In reality, what is needed is not mutual suspicion, but mutual willingness to listen.

The Ferry case underscores a crucial lesson: criticism should not be perceived as a threat, but as an opportunity for reflection and improvement. For the government, it can serve as a mirror to evaluate policies and governance practices. For society, including professionals and civil institutions, it offers a chance to refine how criticism is delivered: grounded in facts, expressed clearly, and aligned with the rule of law. When practiced this way, public discourse can transcend noise and evolve into a contest of ideas that strengthens democratic culture.

In today’s environment, both offline and online, there is an urgent need to build a healthier ecosystem that recognizes criticism as a “vitamin” that nourishes democracy, rather than a “toxin” that destabilizes it. On platforms like LinkedIn, for example, professionals have an opportunity to cultivate constructive habits: sharing critical insights without hostility, offering feedback without disparagement, and engaging in dialogue across disciplines. The safer and open spaces we create for critical thinking, the stronger the foundations of our democracy will become.

Ultimately, the Ferry Irwandi case is more than a singular incident; it is a mirror reflecting the broader democratic journey of our nation. The real question is whether we treat this mirror merely as a warning sign or whether we use it as a collective learning tool. Democracy will flourish only when all stakeholders, including government, civil society, business, and professional communities, choose to open their ears, embrace diversity of thought, and recognize criticism not as a problem to suppress, but as a solution to embrace.