Indonesian spokesman urges focus on substance, not 'Londo Ireng' term used by Prabowo

Indonesian government spokesman Muhammad Qodari has called for a shift in focus from President Prabowo Subianto's controversial use of the term 'Londo Ireng' to the substantive content of his speeches. 'Londo Ireng,' historically a derogatory term for Indonesians perceived as betraying their own people by aiding Dutch colonizers, was recently used by Prabowo to describe journalists and observers.

Qodari urged media personnel to disregard the polemic surrounding the term and instead concentrate on the core messages within Prabowo's addresses. He emphasized that the president's speeches consistently champion the interests of the Indonesian people. Qodari highlighted key themes such as improving the welfare of farmers and fishermen, ensuring food security, and advancing energy programs, including the B50 initiative.

Furthermore, Qodari pointed to specific achievements mentioned in Prabowo's speeches, such as the commencement of the Masela Block project after 28 years and efforts to curb alleged under-invoicing and transfer pricing practices that cost the state trillions of rupiah annually. He asserted that these points represent the true substance of the president's discourse.

When pressed by journalists regarding demands for an apology from Prabowo and the data supporting his remarks, Qodari repeatedly deflected, reiterating his call to focus on the "substance" of the speeches. He declined to provide further details or address the specific criticisms leveled by journalistic organizations.