DKI GMPK: The Constitution is Not a Toy, Democratic Procedures Must Be Upheld
The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options.
The wave of controversy triggered by political analyst Saiful Mujani’s statements regarding the ‘treason’ narrative and predictions of ‘chaos’ in 2026 continues to draw sharp reactions. The Gerakan Mahasiswa dan Pemuda Kebangsaan (GMPK) DKI Jakarta assesses that such narratives are no longer mere scientific critique but political agitation potentially harming the constitutional democratic order.
GMPK DKI Jakarta Chairman Asip Irama asserted that while freedom of speech is guaranteed by law, narratives containing calls to overthrow a legitimate government outside legal mechanisms represent a setback for the nation’s political maturity.
“Our democracy is constitutional democracy. This means all forms of power transition or leadership evaluation must adhere to the procedures agreed upon in the 1945 Constitution. Spreading rumours of treason or unconstitutional overthrow of power will only create legal uncertainty and social commotion,” said Asip on Wednesday (8/4).
Beware of Propaganda Traps
Asip underlined the dangers of statements containing ‘chaos’ predictions. In his view, this tends to be a self-fulfilling prophecy or a prediction that seeks to realise itself through mass provocation. The public is urged to wisely distinguish between constructive policy criticism and propaganda aimed at delegitimising state institutions.
“Narratives like this are very dangerous if swallowed whole. They can become tools to pit elements of the nation against each other. We do not want the nation’s energy wasted on unproductive agitation, while far more real global challenges lie ahead,” Asip stressed.
From the perspective of constitutional law, Asip reminded that the mechanism for dismissing the President (impeachment) is strictly regulated in Articles 7A and 7B of the 1945 Constitution. The requirements include proof of treason against the state, corruption, bribery, serious criminal acts, or disgraceful conduct through the Constitutional Court.
“Our Constitution is the last bastion of democracy. If every political dissatisfaction is met with treason narratives, then the law of the jungle will prevail. We must not allow democracy to be hijacked by interests that seek to impose their will through uncivilised means,” he added.
He also called on youth elements to remain clear-headed and not get trapped in the vortex of conflict. “Do not let our unity be torn apart just because of narrow political ambitions wrapped in fear narratives,” Asip concluded.
Palace Response
On the other hand, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya responded nonchalantly to Saiful Mujani’s statements alluding to overthrowing President Prabowo Subianto. Teddy claimed he was unaware of the details of the statement due to his focus on government agendas.
“I still have a lot of work. I haven’t seen what he said. Something like that,” Teddy said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/4).
Teddy added that President Prabowo is currently preoccupied with national strategic matters. “Especially the President, the President is handling big things, focusing on more strategic matters,” he stated.
Previously, founder of Saiful Mujani Research & Consulting (SMRC) Saiful Mujani made controversial statements at a forum. He considered overthrowing the power as an alternative to ‘save the nation’.
“If advising Prabowo doesn’t work either. The only way is to topple him. That is saving, not saving Prabowo, but saving ourselves and this nation,” Mujani said.
He added, “In my opinion, the alternative is not through formal impeachment procedures like that. That won’t work. The only thing that works is whether we can consolidate ourselves to topple Prabowo? Only that.”