Indonesian Critics of Prabowo Face Police Reports for Incitement

A forum held to criticize President Prabowo Subianto's administration has led to legal repercussions for its participants. Several speakers at the event, including Islah Bahrawi and Saiful Mujani, have been reported to the police for alleged incitement.

Islah Bahrawi, executive director of the Indonesian Moderate Network, stated that many participants who spoke at the forum are now being summoned by the police. Bahrawi himself faces a report for allegedly spreading incitement, which he argues was simply criticism intended to represent those who are afraid. His lawyer confirmed the report is based on Article 160 of the Criminal Code, filed by unknown parties.

The legal actions come after the Jakarta Metropolitan Police summoned Saiful Mujani, founder of Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting. Mujani's lawyer, Todung Mulya Lubis, expressed hope that the police would drop the case, asserting that his client's statements were within the bounds of free speech and did not constitute incitement or treason. Mujani's controversial remarks included the assertion that removing Prabowo from government could save Indonesia.

Another speaker, Feri Amsari, an academic from Andalas University, also faces reports for alleged incitement and spreading false news. Amsari had questioned the government's claim of food self-sufficiency, demanding data to support the assertion. Police are investigating the reports, with the Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stating they are examining the evidence.