Analyst reminds that suspicions of treason should be grounded in political science thinking
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Senior political analyst Boni Hargens has reminded that the debate over Saiful Mujani’s statement, suspected of constituting an act of treason, must be grounded in strong thinking from political science.
Saiful’s statement, which aired on a YouTube channel recently, regarding calls to oust the President outside constitutional mechanisms, has been widely reported to the police.
“Whether Mr Saiful Mujani’s discussion falls into the category of treason or otherwise, that is indeed a debate that must be grounded in strong thinking about politics,” Boni said at the book launch and discussion event in Jakarta on Saturday, as quoted from a statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
From the perspective of political science, according to him, Saiful’s statement can be examined from different viewpoints, namely the state’s perspective and the civil society’s perspective.
From the state’s perspective, Boni explained that Saiful’s statement constitutes a pre-condition leading towards revolution, as it already involves ideas and mobilisation efforts.
Meanwhile, from the civil society’s perspective, he continued, the statement represents freedom of expression and a form of serious disappointment with political parties that fail to provide political opposition amid democratic power.
“That means, Mr Saiful’s statement from the civil society’s perspective is a stern warning and a slap in the face to political parties to play the role of opposition in democracy,” he said.
Nevertheless, he opined that the state’s viewpoint on Saiful’s statement is not wrong because it indeed has the potential to disrupt public interests with the pre-condition leading towards revolution.
However, Boni reminded that an ideal government must be able to maintain a balance between the state’s perspective and the civil society’s perspective.
“So, making decisions while still safeguarding the civil society’s perspective and upholding state interests,” Boni stated.
Meanwhile, the Metro Jaya Regional Police are still conducting in-depth investigations regarding the police reports against Saiful Mujani concerning allegations of inciting treason by the individual on social media.
“We are still conducting in-depth investigations regarding the police report,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Commissioner Pol Budi Hermanto, in Jakarta on Friday (10/4).
Budi said that the number of reports received by the Metro Jaya Regional Police related to the case has increased to two, but he did not explain the reporters.
“We, the Metro Jaya Regional Police, have received reports from two reporters related to Article 246 of Law Number 1 of 2023. The second report was received yesterday, around 8 April 2026, at approximately 21.20 WIB,” Budi stated.