UNJ Political Observer Ubedilah on Hate Speech Report Against Prabowo-Gibran: It Worsens Democracy

JAKARTA - A political observer from Jakarta State University (UNJ), Ubedilah Badrun, has assessed that the report of alleged hate speech filed against him could worsen democracy in Indonesia.

He was reported to the Metro Jaya Regional Police regarding his statements in a YouTube podcast by Forum Keadilan, which touched on President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

According to him, this report is a form of suppression of freedom of expression. This is because his remarks were delivered in the form of a journalistic product.

He also denied that the words contested by the complainant constitute hate speech.

According to him, the criticism he voiced regarding Prabowo-Gibran is based on data and the scholarly knowledge he possesses.

“There is no hate speech at all; that is my right to express an opinion guaranteed by the constitution,” he stated.

He also only learned of this report from mass media coverage. He has not yet received any summons from the police regarding this report.

It is known that Ubedilah was reported by the Coordinator of Garda Pemuda Nusantara, Rangga Kurnia Septian, for alleged hate speech on Monday (13/4/2026).

The complainant assessed that the Forum Keadilan TV podcast video featuring Ubed as a speaker could disrupt public order.

In that video, he described Prabowo-Gibran as a burden to the Indonesian nation. Ubedilah assessed that the current government must immediately end its rule.

“Argumentatively, I am convinced that Prabowo-Gibran is a burden to this nation,” said Ubedilah in that podcast.