Lawyer Condemns Abu Janda's Remarks for Insulting West Java and West Sumatra Communities

Lawyer Hendra Setiawan Boen has condemned Permadi Arya, known as Abu Janda, for remarks deemed insulting to West Java (Jabar) and West Sumatra (Sumbar) communities by referring to them as ‘barbaric tribes’. Boen stated the comments insulted millions of residents and risk inciting hostility.

‘I am a lawyer. But more than that, I am an Indonesian citizen of Chinese descent and Christian. On that basis, I strongly condemn Permadi Arya, alias Abu Janda, for calling West Java and West Sumatra ’barbaric’ regions in his overseas speech,’ Boen stated in a release on Friday (29 May 2026).

Boen stressed that Abu Janda’s remarks were not constructive criticism or part of healthy public debate. ‘These statements constitute a derogatory and insulting generalisation of millions living in West Java and West Sumatra,’ he added.

Boen also emphasised that Abu Janda’s comments were not an exercise of free expression but risked inciting hostility. ‘More concerning is that the remarks were made in a context directly or indirectly exploiting social and religious identity sentiments. Regardless of underlying motives, such statements could sow discord among communities, pit citizens against each other based on identity, and generate unnecessary enmity in national life,’ he explained.

Boen further stressed that SARA issues (ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup relations) are not for joking. ‘SARA matters are not a subject for levity, nor a tool to gain public attention. They are not commodities to be traded for fleeting popularity or sensationalism,’ he added.

Boen then referenced the 1998 tragedy, during which ethnic Chinese were victims. He said this historical memory should serve as a reminder for Abu Janda when making such statements.

‘That tragedy serves as a reminder that hatred beginning with stigma, prejudice, and incitement against specific groups can escalate into discrimination, violence, or even humanitarian tragedies leaving intergenerational trauma,’ he said.

‘Our nation has learned at great cost that social division never arises suddenly. Conflicts often begin with derogatory language, normalised stereotypes, and narratives that gradually build hatred towards certain groups. When such provocations are left unchecked, the consequences can far exceed expectations,’ he added.

Furthermore, Boen highlighted that Abu Janda made the remarks before a congregation abroad. He argued that instead of presenting Indonesia as a mature, tolerant nation respecting diversity, Abu Janda’s comments gave the impression that religious and identity issues are still exploited to attack other communities.

‘This not only harms the targeted communities but also tarnishes Indonesia’s image as a nation upholding Bhinneka Tunggal Ika [Unity in Diversity] in the eyes of the international community,’ he concluded.

Boen urged police authorities to take reports against Abu Janda seriously. He stressed that freedom of expression is not an unlimited right to insult, incite, build negative stereotypes, or pit citizens against each other based on ethnicity, religion, race, or regional origin.

‘Therefore, I believe Permadi Arya, alias Abu Janda’s remarks in this context warrant thorough examination under applicable laws to determine if they contain elements that could disrupt public order, social harmony, or national unity principles,’ he said.

Boen also called for the matter to be investigated objectively, professionally, transparently, and without bias. ‘I urge the Indonesian National Police, particularly Bareskrim Polri, to conduct a serious investigation into the remarks. There must be no double standards in enforcing laws regarding SARA-related cases,’ he added.

Boen stressed to Abu Janda that Indonesia needs no more provocation. The nation, he added, does not need figures who continually exacerbate differences to create unrest and gain public attention.

‘We have paid too high a price for every conflict born from hatred and identity politics. Do not let this nation’s dark history repeat due to provocation that could have been prevented from the start,’ he said.

The Central Leadership Council of the Minangkabau Family Association (DPP IKM) has formally reported Permadi Arya, alias Abu Janda, to Bareskrim Polri. The report concerns Abu Janda’s alleged insult to West Sumatra residents by referring to them as ‘barbaric tribe’.

‘The report concerns alleged hate speech by Permadi Arya, alias Abu Janda. He is suspected of making hate speech against West Sumatra residents by calling them a ’barbaric tribe’,’ said DPP IKM Secretary-General Braditi Moulevey Rajo Mudo at Bareskrim Polri headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday (26 May).

The report was registered under case number LP/B/230/V/2026/SPKT/Bareskrim.