Observers Reported, Authorities Urged Not to Silence Criticism
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A legal expert from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Andina Elok Puri Maharani, has reminded law enforcement authorities not to act rashly in following up on reports against academics and experts.
Andina emphasised that handling such matters without due care risks turning the law into a tool to silence criticism and threatens the quality of democracy.
“Law enforcement authorities must dare to avoid using legal institutions as a means to silence criticism,” said Andina when contacted by Kompas.com on Sunday (19/4/2026).
According to her, authorities must thoroughly study the elements of the reported criminal offence to avoid making the wrong decisions.
She stated that law enforcement has a crucial role in maintaining the balance between upholding the law and protecting freedom of expression.
Therefore, every incoming report must be examined carefully, particularly regarding whether the elements of a criminal offence are fulfilled.
Andina emphasised that law enforcers also need to understand that the academic space is a free arena for intellectuals to express views based on their expertise.
“An objective and independent stance is required so as not to be easily influenced by elite powers for the interests of certain parties,” said Andina.
Andina added that the criticism voiced by observers must be viewed as a form of oversight of government operations.
She stressed that without criticism, the government risks losing direction in exercising power.
“A government without criticism will descend into chaos because the sovereignty of the people will not function as it should,” said Andina.
It was previously reported that several observers and academics have been reported to the police for their statements criticising the government.
Some of those observers include Saiful Mujani, Feri Amsari, and Ubedilah Badrun.
Saiful Mujani was accused of treason due to a video of him expressing views on the national political situation and stating the need for consolidation to oust the President.
Meanwhile, Ubedilah was reported in connection with his statements in a podcast by Forum Keadilan, which were deemed to offend President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
The complainants assessed that the Forum Keadilan TV podcast video featuring Ubed as a speaker could disrupt public order.