Prabowo Calls Critics 'Londo Ireng,' Sparking Press Freedom Concerns

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has drawn criticism for comparing journalists, observers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who scrutinize his policies to 'londo ireng.' This historical term refers to indigenous individuals who collaborated with colonial rulers. Prabowo used the analogy during a speech at the 28th anniversary of the National Awakening Party on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

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That's what we used to call ‘londo ireng,' who fought with the Dutch against us. ‘Londo-londo ireng' this still exist today.

"There are Indonesians who are happy to serve and dedicate themselves to other nations. That's what we used to call 'londo ireng,' who fought with the Dutch against us. These 'londo ireng' still exist today," Prabowo stated at the Jakarta Convention Center. He suggested these individuals now appear in various forms, including journalists, observers, and NGOs. The President questioned the financial sources of NGOs, asking, "Who pays your electricity, who pays your phone bills?"

Prabowo asserted that a significant campaign is underway to undermine the nation, with predictions of Indonesia's collapse month after month. He noted that forecasts of collapse in April, May, and June had not materialized.

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Who pays your electricity, who pays your phone bills?

In response, the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) has demanded an apology from President Prabowo. Secretary-General Bayu Wardhana argued that the 'londo ireng' metaphor unfairly discredits the journalism profession, which he stated is dedicated to reporting facts, not serving foreign interests. He cited reporting on issues like contaminated free nutritional meals as an example of constructive criticism. Wardhana urged the President to address factual shortcomings rather than attack the messengers.

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It is better for the President to apologize for this and improve his speeches.

Similarly, Sri Hartanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) in Surakarta, expressed concern that the 'londo ireng' narrative threatens the climate of press freedom. He warned that the term could create negative stigma against journalists, particularly when media criticism of government policy is misconstrued as siding with foreign interests. Hartanto emphasized that media operates based on field facts, and critical stances serve as a control function for better government performance, not as a sign of subservience.

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The President should not attack the news bearer, but fix bad facts, for example by improving the management of MBG.