President Prabowo Warns of Treason and terrorism Amidst Nationwide Protests
Jakarta, August 31, 2025 – President Prabowo Subianto issued a stern warning Sunday, expressing concern over “indications of treason and terrorism” linked to escalating violence accompanying recent protests across Indonesia. The demonstrations, centered in Jakarta and spreading to other cities, have been marked by clashes, looting, and destruction of property.
Addressing the nation in a press conference at the Presidential Palace, President Prabowo affirmed the right to peaceful assembly but drew a firm line against unlawful behavior. “Delivering aspirations must be done peacefully. But when demonstrations turn into anarchic activities that destabilize the country, destroy public facilities, or even cause casualties, that is a violation of the law,” he stated. “In such cases, the state must step in to protect its citizens.”
The President directed the National Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) to take “the firmest possible action” against those involved in vandalism, looting, and the destruction of public and economic infrastructure. He cautioned that evidence suggested some actions went beyond simple protest, potentially veering into unlawful territory. “We cannot deny that signs of unlawful acts are already visible,some of which even point toward treason and terrorism,” Prabowo warned.
Though,Prabowo also stressed the importance of balancing a firm response with respect for democratic rights and civilian safety. “Pure aspirations must be respected. The right to gather peacefully must be guaranteed and protected,” he added.
The President was flanked by a broad coalition of political leaders during the press conference, including Megawati Soekarnoputri (Chairwoman of PDI-P), Ahmad Muzani (Speaker of the MPR and Chairman of Gerindra’s Honorary Council), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party), Bahlil Lahadalia (Chairman of Golkar Party), zulkifli Hasan (Chairman of PAN), Surya Paloh (Chairman of NasDem), Muhaimin Iskandar (Chairman of PKB), M. Kholid (Secretary General of PKS), Puan Maharani (Speaker of the DPR), and Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin (Chairman of the DPD).
The statement follows violent confrontations near the DPR complex over the weekend, resulting in at least one demonstrator fatality and multiple injuries. In an effort to de-escalate tensions, President Prabowo has requested DPR leaders to initiate dialog with civil society groups and students. He also indicated a willingness to address public concerns, stating, “They will instantly move to revoke some policies at the DPR. I have already conveyed this to them,” though he did not specify which policies would be reversed.Prior to the press conference, on August 30, 2025, President Prabowo met with leaders from major Muslim organizations, including Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, to discuss strategies for restoring stability in the country.
