Mahfud MD Criticizes the Term Londo Ireng Used Against Journalists and Critics
Constitutional law expert Mahfud MD reckons President Prabowo Subianto doesn't like being criticized, after he made a statement calling journalists, observers, and NGOs londo ireng. According to Mahfud, Prabowo often says he's open to criticism but then hits back at his critics without giving any real explanation.
Mahfud explained that the term londo ireng refers to a history of betrayal against the nation's struggle, meaning someone who worked for the Dutch colonizers. He mentioned that a soldier from Minahasa named Benjamin Sigar-who was brought in by the Dutch during the Diponegoro War-is Prabowo's maternal great-grandfather and the first person Javanese people called londo ireng.
He stressed that journalists and critics who voice healthy criticism aren't traitors, they're citizens who love their country and want to offer solutions. Mahfud feels Prabowo's spontaneous speeches often hurt critical groups.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/07/