Having Often Been Demonstrated Against While Being an Official, Hengky Kurniawan Shares Keys to Calm Citizens' Anger

According to him, the most crucial thing when facing a demonstration is the presence of a leader. For him, stepping down and opening a space for dialogue is the key to reducing the potential for chaos.

"Quite often (demonstrated against). And indeed, for every labor or community demonstration, I always attend. I always come, we invite dialogue," said Hengky Kurniawan when met in the Mampang area, South Jakarta, on Thursday (04/9/2025). 

The 42-year-old actor believes that mass emotions can be calmed if they feel heard. Conversely, the situation can heat up if the leaders they choose are reluctant to meet.

"Actually, if the community's leaders are present and willing to dialogue, it can significantly reduce unwanted issues," he emphasized.

Furthermore, Hengky also revealed what essential preparations someone must have before becoming a public official. According to him, popularity alone is not enough. A leader must have a deep understanding of the area they lead.

"We can read more about the conditions of the area. That is what we need to know, including how to provide short-term solutions, long-term solutions, and also how the culture in the area we lead is," he explained.

Now, after no longer holding office, Hengky admits that his duties are indeed not as heavy as before. However, he remains active in monitoring the political and economic situation of the nation.

"If before it was indeed for the community. Now, it is more focused on what we are doing, especially related to work and personal business," he concluded.