KSP Rejects Intimidation Claims, Assures Government Open to Criticism
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential Chief of Staff General TNI (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman has dismissed rumours suggesting intimidation and pressure by the government or law enforcement agencies against the public or civil society organisations critical of the government.
Dudung, responding to journalists’ questions regarding the results of a survey by one polling institute at the Bina Graha courtyard in the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, stressed that the government is open to criticism and critical input from the public.
“President (Prabowo Subianto) wants input at any time. He has stated: We must be brave to speak, brave to express opinions, but we must also be brave to listen to others’ opinions,” said Dudung, conveying President Prabowo’s stance on criticism to journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Dudung urged the public not to create the impression of intimidation from the government, as such treatment does not exist.
“Do not make it seem as if there is intimidation. If there is intimidation, it would also claim that this government does not want to be corrected. Do not fabricate it like that,” he said.
“Do not twist it as if (the President) does not want to accept input,” Dudung added.
He also called on all societal groups to prioritise conscience and work together to build the nation, while protecting themselves from being divided by untrue issues.
“Gus Dur once said that no matter how true or good what you do, there will always be hatred from others,” said Dudung.
On various occasions, President Prabowo has expressed that he is not anti-criticism and does not hesitate to correct himself upon receiving input from various parties.
During a speech at the Peak of Christmas Celebrations in early 2026, President Prabowo stated that criticism and corrections are manifestations of being helped by those providing them.
“If criticised, we should be grateful. If I am corrected, I consider it as being helped, being safeguarded. Sometimes we do not like being criticised or corrected, but in truth, it safeguards us,” said President Prabowo.
President Prabowo then gave a simple example when correction comes from his subordinates.
“The simplest example, sometimes we forget a button is unfastened. Then, a subordinate runs over: Sir, your uniform, Sir. Your button… Oh, this subordinate dares to correct. But he corrects to safeguard me. Imagine the President appearing with an incomplete button. So, sometimes I get annoyed with my aide, so chatty. But he is protecting me. He is protecting me. How many times I have been saved,” said the President.