Tuesday, 28 July 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Forum of Deans of Law Faculties at Muhammadiyah Universities (FH PTM) across Indonesia has issued an official statement regarding President Prabowo Subianto's use of the term "Londo Ireng" toward segments of civil society that have voiced criticism of the government. The forum considers the term not merely a form of political rhetoric, but a statement that could potentially undermine the principles of the rule of law, constitutional democracy, and human rights protection in Indonesia.
In its official statement, the FH PTM Deans Forum emphasized that labeling critical groups within society could narrow the space for civil liberties. According to the forum, such stigmatization does not only affect civil society organizations but could also impact academics, journalists, students, and human rights activists who carry out their oversight role toward state administration.
The forum stressed that criticism is an essential element of democratic life. Therefore, the government should view criticism as a constructive contribution to state governance rather than as a threat that deserves negative labeling.
The FH PTM Deans Forum reminded that Indonesia, based on Article 1 Paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, is a state governed by law. The Constitution requires all state decision-makers to exercise power based on legal principles, respect for human rights, and democratic values that ensure public oversight of government authority.
The forum also highlighted the growing trend of a narrowing civic space ("shrinking civic space") within Indonesian society. The use of the term "Londo Ireng" toward critical members of the public could, in the forum's assessment, delegitimize public criticism and weaken the principle of checks and balances, which serves as a fundamental pillar of democratic systems.
The forum stated that such public expressions could create fear among citizens who wish to freely criticize government policies and decisions. Academics, journalists, students, civil society organizations, and human rights activists may experience psychological pressure when performing their role as monitors of state power.
According to the forum, this situation also carries the risk of encouraging intimidation, persecution, cyberattacks, or even criminalization against individuals who express critical opinions. Such conditions could negatively affect the quality of democracy because citizens may become reluctant to express their views openly and freely.
From a constitutional law perspective, the FH PTM Deans Forum considers the use of the term "Londo Ireng" inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression. Articles 28E Paragraphs (2) and (3), as well as Article 28F of the 1945 Constitution, guarantee every citizen's right to express opinions, assemble, form organizations, communicate, and obtain information.
The forum further reminded that freedom of expression is part of human rights protected under Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights. Indonesia has also ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) through Law Number 12 of 2005. Therefore, the state has the responsibility to respect, protect, and guarantee the civil rights of every individual.
As both head of state and head of government, President Prabowo Subianto has a constitutional responsibility to maintain a healthy democratic climate and respect freedom of expression. The forum believes that public statements made by state officials have broad implications for democratic life and must reflect respect for citizens' constitutional rights.
Beyond legal considerations, the forum also highlighted the potential impact of such terminology on academic freedom and press freedom. Academics, journalists, and civil society organizations play a strategic role in safeguarding popular sovereignty, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting social justice.
The forum believes that negative labeling against these groups may create a "chilling effect" - an atmosphere of fear that could hinder critical discussions, scientific research, independent reporting, and academic analysis.
Based on its assessment, the Forum of Deans of Law Faculties at Muhammadiyah Universities throughout Indonesia presented four official positions.
The forum condemned the use of the term "Londo Ireng" and rejected all forms of stigmatization, intimidation, and attempts to silence critical voices from civil society.
Furthermore, the forum called on President Prabowo Subianto to issue a public apology to the Indonesian people, particularly the academic community, journalists, and civil society organizations, as the statement was considered to have undermined the critical role of citizens in the democratic process.
The forum also urged the government to guarantee freedom of expression as part of human rights protection and ensure that no criminalization, persecution, or disproportionate restrictions are imposed on citizens who express criticism.
In its final point, the forum called on the entire academic community of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah universities, as well as all elements of civil society, to continue maintaining critical thinking, protecting academic independence, and monitoring popular sovereignty and the rule of law in Indonesia.
"A healthy democracy must not be built upon the blood and suffering of its defenders. The FH PTM Forum throughout Indonesia will continue to monitor this matter until substantial justice is achieved. Do not allow the law to be subjected to terror," stated the official statement of the FH PTM Forum across Indonesia issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Muhammad Said Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
/home/u7391150/public_html/indatanews.com/theme/function.php on line 28