Misbakhun on the Call for Sedition: What is the Issue?
Chairman of DPR RI Commission XI, Muhammad Misbakhun, has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding Saiful Mujani’s statement, which has been interpreted as an invitation to topple President Prabowo Subianto.
Misbakhun reminded that no party should attempt to undermine the head of state who has been democratically elected by the people. He made this statement at the Bank Mega Building in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/4).
“In the forum earlier, I said don’t let anyone try to topple Mr Prabowo,” said Misbakhun.
He assessed that inviting the downfall of the president in public spaces is a serious action that does not align with democratic principles.
“In my view, discussing and calling for the overthrow of the President in an open forum and inviting others to do so is a serious act of sedition. A serious act of sedition,” he stated.
According to Misbakhun, differences of opinion with the government are legitimate in a democratic system. However, he emphasised that calling on the public to topple the president is not proper democratic practice.
“He may not like Mr Prabowo, but calling on the people to topple him is not within the realm of proper democracy,” he said.
He also stressed that Prabowo is a president directly elected by the people through democratic mechanisms, so the legitimacy of the government cannot be questioned through such calls.
Furthermore, Misbakhun questioned the basis for criticism of the current government. He assessed that several government programmes have been beneficial to the people.
“The government’s programmes are very pro-people. There is MBG, then the Red White Village Cooperative, downstreaming, social assistance, education, all covered by the state,” he said.
He also touched on energy policies and national food security, which he deemed stable amid global pressures.
“Fuel prices are rising worldwide, but Mr Prabowo has not increased fuel prices. What do they want to question? Our food reserves are very strong. Our energy is very strong,” he stated.
Misbakhun also questioned the urgency of the criticism voiced by Mujani.
“So what do they want to make an issue of? That’s the question,” he said.
He urged Mujani to reflect on his statement, given his position as a figure known for strengthening democracy.
“Ask Saiful Mujani himself, is it appropriate for someone who has been an initiator of democracy to discuss and call for toppling the president,” he said.
Previously, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya responded casually to the controversy. He admitted not knowing the details of Mujani’s statement that went viral on social media.
“I have a lot of work, I haven’t seen what he said,” Teddy said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta.
Teddy added that President Prabowo is currently focused on the government’s strategic agenda.
“Especially the President, the President is handling big things, focusing on more strategic matters,” he said.
Saiful Mujani is a Professor of Political Science at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah and founder of the research and political policy consultancy firm Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC).
Recently, a video clip of his statement, narrated as calling to topple the government, has been widely circulated on social media. Mujani made the remarks at the Analysts’ Halal Bihalal event held last week.
Mujani has also spoken out about his statement. He rejected it being labelled as sedition. He described his viral video clip on social media as a political stance.
“The question is whether my statement can be called ‘sedition’? I affirm that it is not sedition, but ‘political engagement’, namely a political stance or a statement made about political issues in front of many people,” Mujani said in his statement.