Prabowo Volunteers: Criticism Must Be Conveyed Within the Constitutional Framework
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Anthony Leong, Chairman of the Coordinator of the Prabowo Digital Team (PRIDE) volunteers, stated that in a modern democratic state based on the rule of law, the legitimacy of power is not built on street pressure, but through legitimate electoral mechanisms and the state governance system.
“President Prabowo Subianto obtained the people’s mandate through a legitimate democratic process. Therefore, every criticism must be conveyed within the constitutional framework, not through delegitimising narratives that have the potential to damage the democratic order itself,” said Anthony in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
Anthony explained that criticism is an important element in maintaining the quality of democracy. However, criticism must be grounded in data-based arguments, public ethics, and awareness of the broader impacts it causes, both politically and economically.
Meanwhile, pushing for changes in power through extra-constitutional channels not only contradicts the principles of a rule-of-law state but also risks creating uncertainty that directly affects national stability.
“The uncertain global situation means we should be solid domestically and support by providing input to the government in the right way,” he said.
He conveyed that experiences from various countries show that political instability is often directly proportional to economic slowdowns.
“Policy uncertainty, market volatility, and declining business confidence become real consequences that must be avoided,” said Anthony.
He assessed that Indonesia currently needs a conducive political atmosphere so that development agendas, job creation, and strengthening national competitiveness can run optimally.
Furthermore, he emphasised that the Indonesian democratic system has provided various formal channels for correcting the government, from parliamentary mechanisms and public participation to freedom of expression guaranteed by law.
Anthony also invited all elements of society, including academics and observers, to prioritise constructive and solution-oriented narratives, not provocative ones.
“Differences in views are normal in democracy, but they must be managed responsibly so as not to develop into social or economic disruptions,” he said.
In a briefing at the working meeting of the members of the Merah Putih Cabinet at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4), President Prabowo stated that the spread of hoaxes and slander through social media has the potential to damage a country, especially with the support of digital technology developments.
“In the past, they sent troops, sent bombs; now it’s not necessary. Perhaps with social media games, with slander and hoaxes,” said Prabowo.
The President explained that technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital informatics systems, enable someone to have a large number of accounts.