JAKARTA – In a rare and lengthy engagement, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto addressed mounting concerns over political stability and human rights during a six-hour discussion with veteran journalist Najwa Shihab late Tuesday night. The meeting, held at Padepokan Garuda Yaksa in Hambalang, saw the President directly confront allegations of a potential “regime change” plot and respond to the brutal attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus, a case that has ignited widespread condemnation. The session underscored a period of heightened political tension within Indonesia, as Prabowo’s administration navigates criticism and seeks to maintain control amid growing dissent.
The conversation began with the shocking assault on Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS). The attack, which occurred on March 12, 2026, following Yunus’s participation in a podcast discussing remilitarization at the YLBHI, left him with severe chemical burns covering 24% of his body and significant trauma to his right eye. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into potential state involvement. Yunus is currently receiving treatment at RSCM hospital, where doctors performed an amniotic membrane transplant in an attempt to save his vision.
Prabowo unequivocally condemned the attack, labeling it an act of “barbarism and terrorism.” In a moment of intense emotion, he swore an oath to bring those responsible to justice. “We will find out who gave the orders and who provided the funding. Come on, I swear,” Prabowo stated, according to reports from the session. He affirmed that he had issued direct orders to law enforcement agencies to identify both the perpetrators and those who orchestrated the attack.
Swift Action in the Yunus Case: Military Police Involvement
The President’s commitment to accountability appeared to yield immediate results. As of March 18, the TNI Military Police (Puspom) confirmed the detention of four personnel from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (Denma BAIS) – identified as NDP, SL, BWH and ES – in connection with the assault. They are currently undergoing processing through the military justice system, a move that signals a willingness to address potential wrongdoing within the armed forces. This development was first reported by The Jakarta Post.
When pressed by Shihab on the response should “uniformed personnel” be found directly involved, Prabowo maintained a firm “zero-tolerance” stance. This stance has now been demonstrably put into action with the detention of the four BAIS personnel.
Addressing the “Regime Change” Narrative
The discussion then shifted to the increasingly vocal opposition movements alleging a “regime change” plot. Prabowo acknowledged the existence of these groups but dismissed them as detrimental to national stability. He urged critics to respect the democratic process and adhere to the constitutional timeline for elections. “If you aim for to replace me, just wait until 2029. Be patient,” Prabowo reportedly said, referencing the next scheduled general election.
Although Shihab pointed out that much of the public criticism stems from policy concerns – specifically the ongoing judicial review of the Military Law – rather than a direct call for a coup, Prabowo remained resolute. “Not all of it [is aimed at regime change], but some elements certainly are,” he clarified. The judicial review of the Military Law has been a point of contention, with critics arguing it could erode civilian oversight of the armed forces. Human Rights Watch has expressed concerns about the potential implications of the review for human rights protections.
Economic Resilience and Social Programs
Beyond human rights and political stability, the President similarly addressed Indonesia’s economic resilience in the face of global challenges. He discussed the nation’s ability to withstand energy shocks stemming from instability in the Middle East and highlighted the continued rollout of his flagship “Free Nutritious Meals” program, a key initiative aimed at addressing food security and improving public health. The program, launched in 2024, provides free, nutritious meals to millions of children and vulnerable populations across the archipelago.
Economist Chatib Basri and political commentator Hasan Nasbi also participated in the late-night session, offering their perspectives on the complex issues facing Indonesia. Their contributions provided additional context and nuance to the discussion, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Key Updates and Ongoing Investigations
- Investigation Status: Four BAIS TNI personnel (NDP, SL, BWH, and ES) are currently detained at Pomdam Jaya, undergoing military justice proceedings.
- Victim Condition: Andrie Yunus remains in stable condition at RSCM, recovering from the acid attack and receiving treatment to save his vision.
- Public Reaction: Civil society groups are calling for the establishment of a Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) to ensure transparency and impartiality in the investigation into the attack on Andrie Yunus.
The six-hour session represents a significant moment for Prabowo’s administration, demonstrating a willingness to engage directly with critical voices and address pressing concerns. But, the long-term impact of the meeting will depend on the continued progress of the investigation into the attack on Andrie Yunus and the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and democratic principles. The next key development will be the outcome of the military justice proceedings against the detained BAIS personnel, expected within the next 60 days, according to statements from the TNI.
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