Reports over calls to unseat Prabowo gain backing from lawmaker

A senior Indonesian lawmaker has defended reports filed against political figures over calls to remove President Prabowo Subianto, casting the move as part of enforcing the rule of law amid rising political tensions.

Saleh Daulay. Foto: DPR

JAKARTA — Saleh Partaonan Daulay said action taken against Saiful Mujani and Islah Bahrawi was in line with legal provisions, warning that public calls to unseat a sitting government could be misread and risk public disorder.

“Even ordinary people can easily understand the message. It was delivered openly, recorded in full and quickly spread on social media,” Saleh said.

He said such remarks were prone to misinterpretation, particularly in a charged political environment, raising the risk of unrest.

Saleh added that a review of the material could reveal multiple potential violations, including defamation, hate speech and incitement against a legitimate government.

“I believe if the police examine the video, there will be several possible legal provisions that could apply,” he said.

While acknowledging protections for free speech, he said expression that triggers disruption can fall under legal scrutiny.

“Everyone has the right to speak in public. But if it creates disruption, it can be reported and assessed by law enforcement,” he said.

He urged police to follow up on the reports, saying enforcement must be applied consistently.

“Law enforcement must apply to everyone. There should be no impression that if activists are reported, the cases are ignored,” he said.

Saleh also played down any direct political impact on Prabowo, saying the president remained focused on core priorities, including food security, energy, education and disaster response.

“He is occupied with major national programmes. It seems unlikely he has time to pay attention to viral videos like that,” he said.

“Even if he does, he may simply respond with a slight smile.”