August 3, 2026 | 12:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Presidential Special Advisor for Communications Hasan Nasbi said the term “londo ireng”used by President Prabowo Subianto was not directed at the general public, but at groups he accused of deliberately creating public controversy and spreading pessimism.
“It is merely a term for certain people who seem to prefer creating unrest and appear pessimistic about the future of our nation,” Hasan said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Hasan said the government, including the president, had the right to respond to criticism from certain groups.
“Criticizing ‘londo ireng’ is allowed. It was not directed at the public in general. It referred to critical groups that we suspect as being ‘londo ireng,’” he said.
The term drew public attention after Prabowo used it during a speech at the 28th anniversary celebration of the National Awakening Party (PKB) on July 23, 2026. The president described some critics, including journalists, analysts, and non-governmental organizations, as a modern form of “londo ireng.”
Historically, londo ireng is a derogatory term often used to describe indigenous people who were perceived as assisting colonial powers or foreign interests.
Government Defends Prabowo’s Remarks
Hasan said Prabowo’s use of the term was intended as a reminder for all elements of society to prioritize unity and avoid excessive pessimism.
He argued that Indonesians should strengthen cooperation and reduce unnecessary disputes so the country can progress more quickly.
“So for us, this is simply a reminder that we should stand together, not create more controversy, but instead strengthen solidarity,” Hasan said.
Critics Warn of Impact on Democracy
Prabowo’s remarks have drawn criticism from several groups. The Indonesian Transparency Society (MTI), for example, argued that the main issue was not merely the legality of the president’s statement but its potential impact on democratic discourse.
MTI said the use of the label “londo ireng” could shift public attention away from the substance of criticism and toward suspicion of critics’ motives, potentially narrowing space for public participation, which it described as essential for government accountability.
MTI Executive Director Ahmad Jilul Qurani Farid said criticism is a fundamental part of democracy rather than an act of betrayal.
“When a head of state repeatedly labels journalists, academics, and civil society organizations as ‘londo ireng’ or ‘foreign agents,’ it is no longer a debate of ideas, but an attempt to systematically delegitimize public oversight,” Jilul said on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
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