TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto stated that the londo ireng (black Dutchmen) group still exists under different disguises. The term londo ireng is historically used as an accusation of betrayal against Indonesian people who helped perpetuate colonial or foreign dominance.
Prabowo delivered the statement during a speech at the peak event marking the 28th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB). He opened by emphasizing that Indonesia is a democratic nation.
The Head of State stressed that his administration is not against criticism. "But we are not children; we know there are Indonesians who are happy to serve and devote themselves to other nations. That is what we used to call 'londo ireng,' who fought with the Dutch against us, and these 'londo ireng' are still around," Prabowo said at the Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta on Thursday night, July 23, 2026.
The Gerindra Party chairperson claimed that this group now resurfaces under different guises. "Journalists, observers, activists, NGOs [non-governmental organizations]," Prabowo listed.
Prabowo then questioned who funds these non-governmental organizations. "Who pays your electricity bills, who pays for your mobile phones?" he asked.
The former Defense Minister under President Joko Widodo's administration believes there is a concerted campaign to undermine the nation. He noted that certain parties predict Indonesia's collapse.
"'In April it (Indonesia) will collapse'—well, April has passed, no collapse. 'In May it will collapse,' May has passed, no collapse. 'June will collapse, July will collapse.' Every month it is going to collapse," he said.
President Prabowo Subianto attended the peak event of PKB's 28th anniversary alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. According to Tempo's observations at the venue, Prabowo and Gibran arrived at the JCC Plenary Hall at around 7:40 p.m. They attended the event dressed in a white safari shirt and brown batik, respectively.
Upon arrival, Prabowo, accompanied by PKB Chairperson Muhaimin Iskandar, walked through the venue and greeted invited guests, including core PKB officials, several religious scholars, and leaders of the ruling coalition.
Andi Adam Faturahman contributed to this article.
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