March 14, 2026 | 01:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairperson of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), Muhammad Isnur, has criticized President Prabowo Subianto’s recent remarks, calling them an attempt to silence dissenting voices and a threat to Indonesia’s democratic process.
“This is a threat. It can be interpreted by subordinates or field actors as a means of silencing,” Isnur told Tempo on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Isnur argued that Prabowo’s speech demonstrates arrogance and an intolerance for criticism, traits he says echo the authoritarian style of former President Soeharto.
“Prabowo is increasingly unwilling to listen to criticism. He is pleased with what his subordinates convey. As long as the boss is pleased like that,” he added.
The controversy arose during a cabinet meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta, where Prabowo accused several analysts of lacking patriotism and allegedly benefiting financially from criticizing the government.
“There are different types of analysts in Indonesia, one of which is those who dislike my government’s success due to hidden motives. In my opinion, their attitude is narrow and unpatriotic,” Prabowo said on Friday, March 13, 2026.
He speculated on the motivations of these critics, suggesting they may feel defeated, powerless, or financially disadvantaged due to his administration’s firm stance against corruption. “Especially thieves and corruptors, they would feel disadvantaged with our government. We want to straighten them out,” he said.
Prabowo further claimed that he receives intelligence reports about analysts critical of his government and the parties allegedly funding them.
“We will straighten them out at the right time. But now we are still trying in convincing ways,” he said, emphasizing that his current approach is evidence-based to inform the public about government policies.
This is not the first time Prabowo has reacted strongly to his critics. On January 12, 2026, he alleged that some individuals who mock him or spread negative views about his government may be paid by foreign powers.
Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article.
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