Political Analyst Saiful Mujani Reported to Police Over Statement Seen as Inciting Against Prabowo

Political analyst Saiful Mujani was reported to the Metro Jaya Regional Police on Wednesday (8 April) over allegations of incitement. The report is believed to stem from Saiful’s statement, which was narrated as encouraging the downfall of President Prabowo Subianto.

The report against Mujani was filed in the name of Robina Akbar from the Aliansi Masyarakat Jakarta Timur and registered under number LP/B/2428/IV/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA, dated 8 April 2026.

“Yes, it is true that the report was filed on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, around 9:30 PM WIB,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, when contacted on Thursday (9 April).

The complainant reported Saiful in connection with Article 246 of the Criminal Code, which regulates incitement against public authority with a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment.

“Regarding Article 246 of Law 1/2023,” Budi stated.

Budi mentioned that the police are still investigating the report against Saiful Mujani. Subsequently, the complainant will be clarified and asked for a statement regarding the report, including the reasons for filing it.

“It will be investigated further when the complainant’s statement is taken,” he said.

Saiful Mujani is a Professor of Political Science at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah and the founder of the research and political policy consultancy firm Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC).

Recently, a clip of his video, narrated as encouraging the downfall of the government, has gone viral on social media. Mujani made those remarks at the Halal Bihalal event for analysts held a few days ago.

Regarding his statement, Mujani has responded. He rejects categorising his words as an act of rebellion. He describes his viral statement in the social media video clip as a political stance.

“The question is whether my statement can be called ‘makar’ [rebellion]? I emphasise that it is not makar, but ‘political engagement’, namely a political stance or a stance expressed on political issues in front of many people,” Mujani said in his statement.