Anies Highlights Concerns over Freedom of Speech and Attacks on Activists

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, has highlighted concerns regarding freedom of speech and alleged attacks on democracy activists. He conveyed this in the context of an invitation to return to the “nation’s essence” during the Eid al-Fitr moment. “On a personal level, we return to our essence, and in terms of national life and statehood, we return to its essence,” he said when met at the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Saturday (21/3/2026). Anies then spotlighted the current situation, which he believes raises concerns. One of them is the acid pouring incident against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. “These are the days we witness attacks on democracy activists, concerns over freedom of speech, and questions about Indonesia’s role in the international arena,” he stated. According to Anies, this situation should serve as a reminder for all elements to return to the basic principles of the constitution. “This is an opportunity for us to return to our essence, the essence of the Indonesian nation where is that? The Preamble of the 1945 Constitution,” he explained.