KSP Dudung Claims No Intimidation or Threats Against Government Critics

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Dudung Abdurachman has claimed that the government has never intimidated or threatened members of the public who provide criticism or speak about politics.

Dudung requested that no one should lead the narrative as if the administration of President Prabowo Subianto is unwilling to be corrected.

“I don’t think there is any intimidation, no actions that create pressure or issue statements correcting the government and then there are threats,” Dudung said at the Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (13/5/2026).

According to Dudung, Prabowo is the type of figure who is open to receiving input.

In fact, Prabowo has even spoken to his subordinates to be bold in listening to others’ opinions.

“He said, ‘we must be brave to speak, we must be brave to have opinions, but we must be brave to listen to others’ opinions’. He is willing, I convey suggestions and input, he is willing. So don’t twist it as if he doesn’t want to accept input,” said Dudung.

Dudung also referenced a statement by the fourth President, Gus Dur, that no matter what someone does, and no matter how well it is done, there will always be people who hate it.

“I’ve only been KSP for just over a week. I was surprised too during my time as presidential advisor; apparently, his programmes that I saw were only those conveyed by the ministries. After I checked in the field, wow, extraordinary. That means they are truly felt by the public, and the developments, imagine, perhaps unlike before, not thought of,” he said.