VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Kazakhstan, as one of oil-producing countries in Central Asia, is in turmoil after thousands of people in the country staged mass demonstration to protest on the streets. The AFP news agency reported that the protests in Kazakhstan came after a sharp increase in fuel prices. The protests turned into clashes with officers, even spread to other cities in Kazakhstan, and became public demonstrations and riots.

It was previously known that during three decades of independence, Kazakhstan was able to cultivate its image of political stability, thereby helping to attract hundreds of billions of dollars of foreign investment in the oil and metals industry.

On the protests in his country, Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in a speech on the local television believed that there are financially motivated conspirators behind the current wave of demonstrations. He also asked Kazakhs not to give in to provocations from within and outside the country. Tokayev also warned that attacking civilian and military facilities is an unlawful act, a crime that deserves being punished.

The United States and the United Nations, which are also monitoring the conflict in Kazakhstan, have called on all parties there to exercise restraint, following rising social tensions over the sharp rise in fuel prices. US State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price said that Washington condemns acts of violence and destruction of property and calls on authorities and protesters to exercise restraint. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the United Nations –UN was concerned about events in Kazakhstan.

The world community agrees with what the UN and the US have said. In addition, respecting and defending constitutional institutions, human rights and media freedom, including the restoration of internet services must also be a concern so that the crisis does not drag on to a downward spiral. All parties must try to find a peaceful solution to this emergency. They must refrain from violence and encourage dialogue.

The United Nations also seems to need to intervene immediately to help overcoming the chaos in Kazakhstan. This is to dismiss allegations of involvement of certain foreign groups in what is happening in the country.