He made the statement during a joint press conference with parliamentary and political leaders at Merdeka Palace here on Sunday.
The gathering included leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR), the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Regional Representative Council (DPD), and several political party heads.
“We respect freedom of expression as stipulated in Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as Law No. 9 of 1998,” Prabowo said.
He emphasized that public aspirations must be expressed peacefully, without damaging property or threatening public order.
“Aspirations can be conveyed peacefully. However, acts of anarchy, efforts to destabilize the state, destruction of public facilities, arson, casualties, threats, or looting of public and private institutions are violations of the law. The state must act to protect its citizens,” he said.
Prabowo also acknowledged signs of unlawful acts during demonstrations in Jakarta and other regions, some potentially bordering on treason or terrorism.
He ordered the National Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) to take firm action against all forms of destruction, looting, and disruption of economic centers in accordance with the law.
Earlier, Prabowo met with figures including former President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia to discuss the current situation.
During the statement, he was also accompanied by Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani, Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani, and Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Sultan Najamudin.
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Translator: Andi, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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