Abu Janda responds to IKM police report over hate speech allegations

Social media activist Permadi Arya, commonly known as Abu Janda, has responded to a police report filed by the Minangkabau Family Association (IKM). He is accused of spreading hate speech based on ethnicity and religion (SARA) against West Sumatran residents. Abu Janda firmly denied insulting the people of Minangkabau. He claims the allegations stem from personal animosity towards him. ‘I do not insult the people of West Sumatra,’ Abu Janda stated during a confirmation on Thursday, 28 May 2026. He added that negative perceptions arise from hatred. ‘If people already hate Abu Janda, it’s hard—even if you don’t insult, it can be seen as an insult,’ he said. Previously, the IKM’s central board officially reported Abu Janda to the National Police Headquarters with registration number LP/B/230/V/2026/SPKT/Bareskrim Polri dated 26 May 2026. The report alleges he violated Article 242 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code regarding the dissemination of information causing hate speech against specific groups. Defrizal Djamaris, the IKM’s Deputy Chair for Law and Human Rights, explained the report was triggered by Abu Janda’s comments on intolerance. He is said to have linked West Java (Jabar) and West Sumatra (Sumbar) with the term ‘barbar’. ‘There are specific words attacking or inciting hate speech against a particular ethnic group, namely the Minangkabau-majority population of West Sumatra,’ Defrizal told journalists on Tuesday, 26 May. Defrizal stressed that West Sumatran society upholds high tolerance values. Abu Janda’s statements are feared to exacerbate tensions and stir up ethnic and religious conflicts in Indonesia. Through legal channels, IKM hopes the police will thoroughly investigate the case to prevent vigilante actions by those feeling wronged. ‘We trust the legal process will hold the individual accountable for their words,’ Defrizal concluded. Most recently, in March 2026, he went viral again after a heated debate on a national television program that led to his ejection from the studio.