Legal Expert Feri Amsari Reported to Police Over Criticism of Food Self-Sufficiency

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Constitutional law expert Feri Amsari has been reported to the police regarding his criticism of food self-sufficiency. The report was filed by a group of farmers affiliated with the Tani Merdeka Indonesia movement at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters on Friday (17/4/2026). Feri’s statement describing food self-sufficiency as a lie was deemed inconsistent with on-the-ground conditions. Itho explained that Feri’s claim contradicts data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicating a rice surplus. This was seen as hurtful to feelings and weakening the morale of local farmers. “We also have evidence of a rice surplus from the Ministry of Agriculture for food self-sufficiency. So when Feri Amsari says there is no self-sufficiency, it really disturbs the farmers,” he stated. Itho also admitted that they had not yet protested directly to Feri. They chose to pursue legal channels to clarify the statement through investigators. Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations at Metro Jaya Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, confirmed the report against Feri. “This is a new one we’ve received. In this case, Metro Jaya Police will accept all reports from the public,” Budi said when met separately. Budi added that there are two reports against Feri that have entered Metro Jaya Police Headquarters. The first report was filed by a citizen with initials RMN on Thursday (16/4/2026). Both complainants reported Feri for alleged incitement based on Article 246 of the new Criminal Code. As evidence, the complainants submitted a flash drive containing digital documents related to Feri’s statements and data analysis documents.