Bali Journalists Hold Solidarity Protest Demanding Prabowo Apologise Over 'Londo Ireng' Remark

A group of journalists held a solidarity protest in front of the Bajra Sandhi Monument in Renon, Denpasar, Bali. Members of the Bali Journalists Solidarity (SJB) are demanding that President Prabowo Subianto apologise for his statement labelling the journalism profession as ‘Londo Ireng’.

The Chairperson of AJI Denpasar, Ni Kadek Novi Febriani, stated that journalists work in the public interest to oversee government actions, noting that one of the primary functions of the press is social control. “Accusations against this profession are considered baseless and inappropriate for a president to make. Journalists work to deliver facts to the public, not to serve foreign interests,” Febri said on Sunday (2/8/2026).

SJB considers Prabowo’s remarks to be an insult to the journalism profession, which serves as the fourth pillar of Indonesian democracy. In Indonesian historical context, ‘Londo Ireng’ is a term used to refer to ‘foreign puppets’ or groups perceived to be working for foreign powers rather than their own country.

The statement is also viewed as a violation of the mandate of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press, which stipulates that the state is obliged to create a climate and environment that allows the press to operate freely, safely, professionally, and responsibly.

Protest coordinator Rizki Setyo added that SJB is urging Prabowo to issue a public apology. He noted that the ‘Londo Ireng’ label also serves as an insult to other groups critical of the government, such as NGOs, academics, and observers. “If the press and those who voice criticism are silenced through negative stigmatisation, it clearly reveals an administration that is anti-criticism and allergic to public oversight,” said Rizki.

During the demonstration, SJB provided white cloth for members of the public to sign a petition expressing their disappointment with Prabowo’s remarks. Many citizens participated enthusiastically. “Journalists must report the truth; if something is good, it should be reported as good, and if it is bad, it must be reported as it is,” said Moch Decky Apriadi, a resident present at the protest.

SJB also performed a theatrical piece featuring characters representing President Prabowo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, and Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco, intended to illustrate the perceived failure of the legislature to perform its oversight function over the government.