Peaceful Aspirations Respected, Anarchic Acts to be Dealt with Firmly, President Prabowo Says

President Prabowo Subianto stated the Government’s stance on the dynamics of demonstrations unfolding in several regions across Indonesia. After holding a meeting with heads of state institutions and political party leaders at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Sunday (8/31), President Prabowo emphasized the importance of respecting the people’s aspirations and enforcing the law against anarchic acts.

“My fellow countrymen, over the past few days, I, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, have been closely monitoring the situation update in Jakarta and several other cities in Indonesia. The State respects and is open to the public’s right to express genuine opinions and aspirations,” said President Prabowo in his press statement.

However, amid the freedom of expression, the Head of State also highlighted incidents where officers were deemed to have violated regulations. He confirmed that legal proceedings had been underway openly to maintain public trust.

“The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is currently investigating officers suspected of committing errors or violations yesterday. I have instructed that the process be conducted quickly, transparently, and openly for the public to follow,” he said.

Furthermore, President Prabowo emphasized that the State must not remain silent if demonstrations turn into anarchy. The State has a duty to protect the civilians and safeguard public facilities from destruction and looting.

“The officers on duty must act to protect the civilians and safeguard public facilities built with public funds. The officers must also enforce the law if there are violations that threaten the lives of people,” he stated.

Despite issuing a stern warning, President Prabowo stated that aspirations expressed peacefully will be fully respected by the Government. He expressed belief that differences of opinion are part of democracy, guaranteed by law and international instruments.

“Once again, genuine aspirations must be respected. The right to peaceful assembly must be respected and protected. However, we cannot deny that signs of extrajudicial, even unlawful actions have begun to emerge, some even leading to treason and terrorism,” he said.

President Prabowo also instructed security forces to continue protecting the public and upholding the law. He emphasized that the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and Polri must act firmly and in accordance with the law against all forms of vandalism and security threats.

“I have ordered the Polri and TNI to take the strongest possible action against all forms of vandalism of public facilities and looting of individual homes, public places, or economic centers in accordance with applicable law,” the President concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MUR)