Editorial
The press exists to fulfill the wholly democratic role of providing checks and balances.
President Prabowo Subianto delivers a speech on July 23, 2026, at the 28th anniversary event of the National Awakening Party (PKB) in Jakarta. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak A)
We regret President Prabowo Subianto’s statement of accusing journalists, analysts and civil society groups as traitors serving foreign interests by invoking the colonial-era term “Londo ireng” (black Dutchman). This is an insult to the profession of journalism as well as the work of analysts and activists.The President delivered a speech at the 28th anniversary celebration of the National Awakening Party (PKB) in Jakarta on July 23, during which he accused some journalists as “Londo ireng” working against the country’s interests. Prabowo was reported to be furious with a front page photo published by Kompas daily depicting students consuming free meals in front of a run-down school building.
Coming from the head of state, this could set a bad precedent.
