Abu Janda Reported to Police by Minangkabau Organisation Over SARA-Related Remarks

Social media activist Permadi Arya, known as Abu Janda, has been reported to the Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) over allegations of spreading SARA-based hate speech. The complaint was submitted by the Ikatan Keluarga Minangkabau (IKM) and registered under report number LP/B/230/V/2026/SPKT/Bareskrim Polri dated 26 May 2026. Defrizal Djamaris, the DPP IKM’s Deputy Chairman for Law and Human Rights, stated the report was filed because Abu Janda’s remarks were considered offensive to the people of West Sumatra, particularly the Minangkabau. He referenced Abu Janda’s comments about Muslims in West Java and West Sumatra being ‘hardline’, and his rhetorical question about why regions ending in ‘bar’ had ‘barbarians’. Defrizal cited the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), explaining that ‘barbar’ carries negative connotations of being uncivilised, cruel, and lacking in civilisation. He added that such statements deeply offended the Minangkabau community, which upholds strong values of inter-ethnic and inter-religious tolerance. ‘We are concerned that certain parties may be trying to exacerbate tensions by inciting ethnic and religious discord across Indonesia,’ he said. Defrizal urged police to thoroughly investigate the case to ensure Abu Janda faces legal accountability and to prevent vigilante actions. ‘We trust the legal process will be transparent, professional, and proportionate to address public concerns,’ he added. The report alleges Abu Janda violated Article 242 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which addresses the dissemination of information inciting hatred against specific groups. No official comment has been made by Abu Janda regarding the allegations.