September 20, 2026 | 07:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Civil group the Public Virtue Research Institute (PVRI) has criticized President Prabowo Subianto for labeling experts who oppose government policies as "idiotic." PVRI Executive Director Muhammad Naziful Haq characterized the president's remarks as an attack on scientists dedicated to studying science to address national issues.
"This insulting statement is not the first time the President has expressed it publicly. It marks an anti-knowledge attitude," Naziful said in a statement on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Naziful opined that a leader must possess basic competence in democracy, including the willingness to listen and adopt a scientific approach. A democratic leader, he added, should have a spirit of inquiry and respect for science when determining policy priorities and targets.
However, he noted, throwing insults at experts indicates that a leader lacks the humility to hear criticism. Even so, Naziful stressed, democracy will always need critical voices to hold authority accountable. "This is a simple matter that is actually bigger than anything else," he said.
Prabowo made the remarks targeting experts who criticize government policies during a speech at the 28th anniversary of the National Mandate Party in Jakarta on Friday, September 18, 2026. In his address, the state head suggested that some experts consider themselves so clever that they end up becoming foolish.
Prabowo claimed he does not mind criticism aimed at him. However, he insisted he would not tolerate criticism that amounts to slander. "It's up to those who consider themselves experts. [They are] so clever that they become "goblok" (idiots)," he said.
The Gerindra Party chair emphasized that intellectuals carry a responsibility to be honest. "I remind you, if you are intelligent, do not forget that an intellectual must be honest. That is called intellectual honesty," Prabowo added.
Tempo contacted State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi and Presidential Communication Office Head Muhammad Qodari to request a response regarding the criticism of the President's speech. However, as of publication, neither official had responded.
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