Islah Bahrawi Attends Police Invitation for Clarification Over Alleged Incitement

Jakarta - Jaringan Moderat Indonesia (JMI) Director Islah Bahrawi has complied with a summons for clarification from investigators at the General Crime Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya concerning a reported allegation of incitement. Islah appeared accompanied by a legal advisory team comprising advocates from the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH), the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), Imparsial, as well as several legal and human rights experts. Islah Bahrawi’s legal counsel, Tegar Putuhena, emphasised that his client’s attendance was a form of compliance as a law-abiding citizen, although he assessed that the report appeared forced. “The construction of Article 246 of the Criminal Code stipulates that the criminal act of incitement which is prohibited consists of only two things: inciting someone to commit a criminal offence or inciting resistance against the authorities through violence. Cak Islah’s statement at the Utan Kayu forum did not fulfil these elements at all,” Tegar stated at Polda Metro Jaya, Jakarta, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Islah Bahrawi explained that the statements he delivered at the Utan Kayu Community forum were a form of amplifying the anxieties of the lower classes who have felt intimidated and afraid to publicly voice criticism of the government’s performance. “What I said is in fact the voice of those who have been unable to speak out because they are afraid and feel intimidated. There was absolutely no intention to incite anyone. We only want to be the mouthpiece for those who live in fear, out of our love for this country,” Islah revealed. Polda Metro Jaya had previously confirmed the existence of a police report filed by Robina Akbar from the East Jakarta Community Alliance against Saiful Mujani. “Yes, that is correct, it was reported on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at approximately 9.30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time, regarding Article 246 of Law Number 1 of 2023,” said Polda Metro Jaya Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, in a statement in Jakarta on 9 April 2026. However, he could not yet explain in detail the report registered under number LP/B/2428/IV/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA, dated 8 April 2026. Article 246 of Law Number 1 of 2023 is part of the new Criminal Code regulating the criminal offence of public incitement, whether spoken or written. In addition to the report lodged with Polda Metro Jaya, the General Chairperson of Presidium Kebangsaan 08, H Kurniawan, is also planning to report both Saiful Mujani and Islah Bahrawi to the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police concerning an alleged call to overthrow the government.