Inflation Observers Are Right, to an Extent

However, not all criticism is good; there is also criticism that is not constructive and even destructive, alias toxic. There are observers who claim to be critics, but what they convey is more like black propaganda, lies, and hatred. Their motives might simply be to seize power, either through constitutional or unconstitutional means.

We must not generalise that all criticism is bad; conversely, we must not generalise that all criticism is good. We follow up on good criticism, while we address bad criticism with education for the people so that it does not become poison for democracy.

Criticism containing calls to topple President Prabowo by Saiful Mujani and several other figures also needs to be critiqued. We know that Saiful Mujani is a wealthy political elite who has long been at odds with President Prabowo, including during the recent presidential election.

Is Saiful Mujani’s criticism purely disseminated for improvement, or is it merely partisan political operations? If Saiful Mujani is eager to seize power, that is his right.

However, the political cost to be paid by the people is too great if there are parties who desire to seize power unconstitutionally.

President Prabowo has at least five years to fulfil his political promises, and the people can evaluate him in the 2029 elections. If Mr Prabowo’s performance does not satisfy the people, the mandate can be withdrawn; however, if it is deemed satisfactory, the people can continue to grant the mandate for the next five years.

Clearly, President Prabowo is committed to upholding democracy. That is why, to this day, after nearly 1.5 years of President Prabowo’s rule, no Indonesian citizen has been punished for criticising or even insulting President Prabowo.