Hendropriyono: I Never Ordered Anyone to Overthrow the Government

Former Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), General (Ret.) A.M. Hendropriyono, has reminded all elements of the nation to be vigilant against attempts by certain parties to sow discord. The intelligence expert highlighted various recent developments, noting that these divisive efforts are carried out through the spread of false information, hoaxes, and provocations. “We all need to be wary of various untrue information, especially slander, hoaxes, and provocations deliberately spread to pit fellow countrymen against each other,” Hendropriyono stated in Jakarta on Friday, 19 June 2026. He noted that history has shown that division often begins with misleading information and suspicion deliberately planted within society. According to him, differences of opinion in a democratic country must occur through lawful, peaceful, and constitutional mechanisms. He further reminded the public to be alert to any efforts that encourage hatred, hostility, or unconstitutional actions that threaten the legitimate government. In the current climate, he assessed that it is crucial to always prioritise common sense, verification, and respect for the law. “Do not be easily provoked by issues whose sources and objectives are unclear,” he cautioned. He stressed that national unity, constitutional order, and the safety of the state must always be placed above group interests or fleeting political ambitions. The general, who received the Bintang RI award from President Prabowo Subianto, explained that democracy can only thrive if differences are channelled through peaceful, civilised, and constitutional means. He argued that all unconstitutional efforts threatening national unity and the legitimate government should not receive any sympathy in national life. On the same occasion, Hendropriyono also addressed circulating accusations linking him to movements that harshly criticise the government. “I assert that I and those close to me are not involved, do not support, and have never ordered anyone to carry out activities aimed at overthrowing the legitimate government,” he said. The expression of public opinion in a democracy, he stated, must remain within legal and constitutional corridors. He firmly dismissed all accusations linking him or his associates to an agenda of overthrowing the government without valid evidence as hoaxes and slander.