Prabowo urges Polri to protect free expression, defend justice

hartono · Jul 1, 2026

Prabowo urges Polri to protect free expression, defend justice

Screenshot - President Prabowo Subianto (right) and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo attend a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the police force in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday (July 1, 2026). (ANTARA/Prisca Triferna)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto reminded the National Police (Polri) of its responsibility to safeguard democratic principles in Indonesia and protect the rights of citizens to peacefully express their opinions.

Addressing a ceremony marking Polri’s 80th anniversary in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday, he emphasized that the government views public criticism, suggestions, and input as essential elements of democracy while underscoring the need to maintain public order.

“Differences should not be seen as a source of disunity. We must always give precedence to unity and concord among us. Polri must serve as a guardian protecting a mature democracy, ensuring that every citizen can voice their opinions in a peaceful manner,” Prabowo said.

At the same time, the president stressed that it is equally crucial to enforce the law and maintain public order and security. He therefore urged the police force to continue efforts to provide a sense of safety for the public.

Prabowo went on to call for impartial law enforcement measures, warning against favoritism and stressing that the law must be regarded as an instrument to protect the weak and disadvantaged.

“Law must not be weaponized by those with money. Law must not be a tool for political revenge,” he affirmed.

The head of state further reiterated the urgency for all police officers across the country to protect legal frameworks from being misused or exploited.

“I would like to once again stress that weak people deserve protection. People seeking truth and justice must be facilitated,” he said, urging a safety guarantee for those who are not in the wrong.

He made the remarks at the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) training facility in celebration of 80 years of Polri, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. This year’s anniversary carries the theme “Polri’s 80 Years of Service to the People.”