Prabowo's 'Black Dutch' Remarks Undermine Public Scrutiny, Says Watchdog

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's recent use of the historical term 'londo ireng', originally referring to indigenous mercenaries for colonialists, to criticize journalists, observers, and NGOs has drawn sharp criticism from Transparency Indonesia Society (MTI).

MTI assesses that Prabowo's remarks, made during the 28th anniversary of the National Awakening Party, aim to delegitimize public oversight. The group argues that the narrative employed by the president has destructive implications for democracy by shifting the focus from the substance of criticism to suspicion of the critics' motives. This, MTI contends, narrows the space for public participation, a vital component for holding power accountable.

"Criticism is the oxygen of democracy, not treason," stated MTI Executive Director Ahmad Jilul Qurani Farid. "When the head of state repeatedly labels journalists, academics, and civil society organizations as 'londo ireng' or 'foreign stooges,' what happens is no longer a clash of ideas, but a systematic attempt to delegitimize public oversight."

MTI's review of media coverage indicates that Prabowo has engaged in negative labeling and stigmatizing accusations against his own people at least seven times since assuming office in October 2024. These incidents include accusations of being "foreign stooges," questioning if critics were "pure or someone paid," and labeling demonstrations as driven by "foreign forces dividing" the nation, culminating in the 'londo ireng' remark.

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Criticism is the oxygen of democracy, not treason. When the head of state repeatedly labels journalists, academics, and civil society organizations as 'londo ireng' or 'foreign stooges,' what happens is no longer a clash of ideas, but a systematic attempt to delegitimize public oversight.