State Observers Face Police Over Prabowo Criticism

A post-Eid gathering of political analysts in Jakarta, titled "Before Observers Are Put in Order," has led to legal repercussions for several speakers who openly criticized President Prabowo Subianto's administration. The forum, intended as a platform for discussion, transformed into an arena for criticism, resulting in multiple participants facing police reports.

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We just wanted to give voice to the unspoken fears of the people.

Islah Bahrawi, one of the speakers, confirmed that many who took the stage are now being summoned by the police. Bahrawi himself is facing a police report for alleged incitement stemming from his remarks at the event. He is accused of spreading inflammatory rhetoric that could incite criminal behavior or violence. However, Bahrawi maintains that his statements were legitimate criticism aimed at voicing public concerns.

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The people who spoke there have all been summoned by the police.

Bahrawi's legal counsel, Tegar Putuhena, confirmed the report was filed under Article 160 of the Criminal Code, though the complainants remain unknown. This follows similar actions against other prominent analysts. Saiful Mujani, founder of Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting, was previously questioned by investigators over allegations of incitement at the same forum. His attorney, Todung Mulya Lubis, hopes the proceedings will be dropped, arguing that Mujani's comments were within the bounds of free speech and did not constitute incitement or treason.

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The reports were filed by several parties, though we don't know who.

Mujani's controversial statement involved suggesting that removing Prabowo from his government position was necessary to save Indonesia's future. Constitutional law expert Feri Amsari also faces allegations of public incitement and spreading fake news. Amsari argued during the panel that Indonesia has not achieved true food self-sufficiency and called for transparent data to support any claims otherwise. The Jakarta Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated that authorities are investigating the facts behind these statements.

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We will investigate the facts of these statements.