Hasan Nasbi clarifies 'londo ireng' term refers to groups prone to causing unrest

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential Special Adviser on Communication and Media, Hasan Nasbi, stated that the term ‘londo ireng’ recently mentioned by President Prabowo Subianto was not directed at the general public, but rather at groups deemed to prefer creating commotion.

“It is merely a term for certain individuals who seem to prefer causing unrest and appear pessimistic about our nation’s life,” Hasan said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Friday.

According to Hasan, the use of the term was intended as a reminder for all elements of the nation to prioritise unity rather than magnifying differences. He noted that the public should increase cohesion and optimism when looking towards the nation’s future, while reducing pessimistic attitudes so that Indonesia can progress more rapidly.

“So, for us, this serves as a warning that we should unite. Instead of increasing commotion, we should increase our cohesion,” he emphasised.

Hasan also assessed that some parties prefer to highlight discord and view the nation’s life through a pessimistic lens. In his view, such attitudes are inconsistent with the spirit of building optimism and confidence in the nation.

“We must increase optimism, reduce pessimism, bolster our confidence in our nation, and eliminate feelings of pessimism. This way, we can move forward faster,” he concluded.

In a separate instance, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) urged the public to view the full context of President Prabowo Subianto’s statements regarding the importance of maintaining optimism and avoiding debates over terminology that could distract from the substance of issues.

According to a government press release received in Jakarta on Monday (27/7), the Director General of Public Communication and Media at Kemkomdigi, Fifi Aleyda Yahya, invited the public to consider the full context of the President’s remarks regarding the ‘londo ireng’ label.

She stated that the President’s remarks were a political metaphor and were not intended to corner any profession, the mass media, or any specific group.

“What the President conveyed is an invitation to remain vigilant against parties that deliberately construct narratives as if Indonesia has no hope and is not moving forward,” said Fifi.