Mahfud MD Questions Level One Alert Status for Large-Scale Demonstrations
Jakarta — Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD has questioned the decision to impose level one alert status across all military units solely on the basis of potential large-scale demonstrations, describing the measure as excessive.
Mahfud contended that during his tenure, several major protests never prompted authorities to declare such a heightened alert status. “If the reason is simply that there might be large-scale demonstrations, why escalate to level one alert?” he said when met in Senen, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
“During my time as Coordinating Minister, we had several instances of large-scale demonstrations. Multiple times, but we never went to level one alert, not even to level two alert,” he added.
During government deliberations on alert status, authorities typically review intelligence reports from various sources, including the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the Military Strategic Intelligence Body (BAIS), to assess the potential scale of demonstrations.
Mahfud cited the example of discussions regarding the “Jokowi End Game” movement that circulated on social media. Following analysis, the government determined that the movement lacked organised strength.
“There was no clear protest leader, there was no funding,” he explained. “Without leadership and funding, such movements lack real capacity.”
Mahfud acknowledged that some information requires public communication to help citizens understand the situation, whilst other details could prove counterproductive if disclosed. “Unless something poses a direct threat, some information must remain confidential whilst other information is released immediately. That is the President’s judgment. Regardless, the public has the right to know: what exactly is level one alert? What is the context?” he stated.
General Agus Subiyanto, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), had previously issued an order establishing level one alert status across all military units as a precautionary measure against evolving global security developments, particularly escalating conflict in the Middle East region.
The order specified that all TNI units must enhance operational readiness in response to heightened international conflict dynamics and their potential impact on domestic security.