When Experts Are Reported for Criticising the Government, Is Freedom of Speech Being Silenced?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Academics, political researchers, and experts have been frequently reported to the police in recent times. They are being reported for making statements deemed as hate speech and calls to overthrow the government. The latest case involves constitutional law expert Feri Amsari, who was reported to the police regarding his criticism of food self-sufficiency. The lawyer for the farmers, Minta Itho Simamora, stated that Feri’s remarks describing food self-sufficiency as a lie were deemed inconsistent with the on-ground conditions. “Because of the food self-sufficiency statement, the claim that the government is lying, and that it is causing public unrest,” Itho said after filing the report. Itho explained that Feri’s claims contradict data from the Ministry of Agriculture showing a rice surplus. This is considered hurtful to feelings and weakening the morale of local farmers. Itho also admitted that his side had not yet directly protested to Feri. Metro Jaya Police confirmed the report against Feri Amsari. The report is registered under number LP/B/2692/IV/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA. In addition to that report, Metro Police also received another report against Feri Amsari. That report was filed by a resident with initials RMN on Thursday (16/4/2026). In both reports, Feri Amsari is charged under Article 246 of the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHP) which regulates incitement. As evidence, the reporter submitted a flash drive containing digital documents related to Feri’s statements and data analysis documents. Ubedilah was reported regarding his statements in the Justice Forum podcast, which were deemed to offend President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The report was filed by the Coordinator of Pemuda Garda Nusantara, Rangga Kurnia Septian. Head of Public Relations of Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Pol Budi Hermanto, said the report was received on Monday (13/4/2026). Ubedilah was reported for alleged hate speech delivered through social media. The report is registered under number LP/B/2560/IV/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA dated 13 April 2026. The reporter assessed that the Justice Forum TV podcast video inviting Ubed as a speaker could disrupt public order. In the video, he referred to Prabowo-Gibran as a burden to the Indonesian nation.