Analyst Interprets Prabowo's 'Londo Ireng' Remark as Critique of Foreign-Aligned Mindset, Not Professions

Political analyst Iwan Setiawan has weighed in on President Prabowo Subianto’s controversial ‘Londo Ireng’ remark, suggesting it should be understood as a political metaphor rather than a literal attack on specific professions. The statement was made during the 28th anniversary celebration of the National Awakening Party (PKB) on Thursday, 23 July, where Prabowo referred to ‘black Dutchmen’ who still exist today, disguised as journalists, activists, and analysts.

Setiawan, the Executive Director of Indonesia Political Review (IPR), stated that the term ‘Londo Ireng’ is historically rooted in Indonesian discourse as a symbol for individuals who, while physically part of the nation, think and act in ways that benefit foreign interests over national ones. He emphasised that the President’s remarks should not be interpreted as a sweeping generalisation against the entire professions of journalism, civil society, or academia.

‘It would be a grave mistake to direct this term at all journalists, NGO activists, academics, or observers,’ Setiawan clarified in an official statement on Sunday, 26 July. ‘The issue is not the profession itself, but rather any party—be they officials, politicians, academics, businesspeople, observers, NGOs, or media—who consciously champion foreign interests at the expense of the national interest.’

Setiawan contextualised the President’s statement within his administration’s consistent push for national sovereignty, citing policies such as downstream industrialisation, food security, energy self-sufficiency, and the strengthening of domestic industry. He argued that such a strong national agenda naturally invites the emergence of groups that build pessimistic narratives or attempt to derail strategic state policies. He concluded that the President’s criticism was directed at a way of thinking and an orientation of interests, rather than at specific professional identities.