Jakarta — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called journalists, analysts, economists, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) "londo ireng," or "black Dutch," - an idiom means traitor to nation - in a speech at the 28th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) at Jakarta Convention Center on Thursday, 23 July 23, 2026, drew sharp criticism.
The critics came from various groups, including the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and the Press Council, the Indonesia's Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) of which said the term demeaned the journalism profession and lacked any factual basis.
The term "londo ireng," a Javanese phrase that literally means "black Dutch," refers to native Indonesians who once sided with Dutch colonizers and oppressed their own people, based on historical knowledge.
Student Press Coalition and AJI Yogyakarta Hold Rally Condemning Prabowo's 'Black Dutch' Remark
"These black Dutch are still around today. They just wear different clothes now, right? Journalists, what do you call it? Analysts, NGOs," Prabowo said in his speech.
Cynical, the president also questioned the funding sources of NGOs and media outlets that have been critical toward his administration.
"Who pays your electricity bill? Who pays for your phone?" he said.
AJI Indonesia Chairwoman Nany Afrida said the label undermined the work of journalists in the field.
"We consider this labeling to be demeaning, belittling, and delegitimizing to the profession and work of journalists on the ground," she said on Saturday, 25 July 2026.
AJI Secretary General Bayu Wardhana urged Prabowo to issue a public apology. He compared the president's remark to an earlier demeaning comment made by lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea toward journalists, in a case involving obstruction of media coverage on Obi Island.
