JakartaPost-Aug 10, 2026
The arrests of two netizens who reposted a controversial remark by President Prabowo Subianto have sparked concern among rights groups, that further restrictions on freedom of expression could create a climate of fear. On Aug. 6, the West Java Police arrested suspects AYP, 49, and AF, 40, for allegedly posting and spreading content deemed provocative and inciting criminal acts via social media. The arrest followed a report filed on Aug. 4 by an unidentified complainant who alleged that several of the posts were a threat to national unity and security, West Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Hendra Rochmawan told a live streamed press briefing on Aug. 6. The posts mentioned in the complaint centered on a remark the President made on Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons on July 31 at a gathering with members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) at the State Palace. Prabowo said in his live streamed speech that “Iran already has nuclear weapons”, and that this could prompt neighboring countries to consider pursuing their own nuclear capabilities. Civil society groups were quick to condemn the arrests, warning the move could further restrict freedom of expression and spread fear among the general public. In a statement issued on Aug. 7, Amnesty International Indonesia (AII) called for the immediate and unconditional release of AYP and AF. The Weekender AII executive director Usman Hamid underlined that verbal criticism and even anger, however unpleasant they might sound, were a legitimate form of expression as guaranteed by international law and the 1945 Constitution, as long as they were not accompanied by violence. “Instead of arresting citizens, why doesn’t the government simply clarify the President’s sensitive remarks about Iran’s nuclear program?” Usman said, adding that it was “reasonable” for citizens to criticize Prabowo’s “unfounded” statement. Foreign Ministry Rights advocate Muhamad Isnur from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has meanwhile urged the police to exercise caution when handling cases involving freedom of expression online. “Criminalizing expression will instead create a chilling effect and a climate of fear, aimed at silencing criticism in the public sphere,” Isnur said. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi declined reporters’ request for comment on Friday, directing them to ask the police instead. Read more at:
https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2026/08/10/arrests-over-posts-on-prabowos-iran-remark-raise-free-speech-alarm?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=home_latest.
