Former Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono has issued a stern call for national vigilance, urging the public to guard against the corrosive effects of disinformation, hoaxes, and calculated provocations. In a statement released on Friday, the retired general cautioned that the modern information landscape is being exploited by malicious actors aiming to sow discord and fracture the unity of the Indonesian people. By weaponizing false narratives, these entities seek to undermine social cohesion, making it imperative for citizens to maintain a high level of discernment and critical thinking in an era where digital volatility can have real-world consequences for national stability.
Reflecting on his years as an intelligence scholar and military leader, Hendropriyono emphasized that history has consistently demonstrated how social and political fragmentation often takes root through the deliberate planting of suspicion and misleading rhetoric. He argued that while democracy inherently welcomes diverse opinions, these must be expressed through lawful, peaceful, and constitutional channels. The veteran official warned that any influence or movement designed to incite hatred, foster hostility, or promote unconstitutional upheaval poses a direct threat to the legitimacy of the government and the integrity of the state, necessitating a firm commitment to the rule of law.
Addressing the current sociopolitical climate with a clear sense of urgency, the former intelligence chief urged Indonesians not to be swayed by issues characterized by obscure origins or hidden political agendas. He insisted that national unity and state security must invariably take precedence over individual factional interests or the pursuit of short-term power. According to Hendropriyono, the health of Indonesia’s democratic future depends on the ability of its citizens to address grievances through civilized dialogue rather than destructive agitation. He maintained that any action which bypasses democratic norms and threatens the established constitutional order should be categorically rejected by the public.
During the same address, Hendropriyono took the opportunity to forcefully dispel recent online allegations linking him to opposition groups purportedly critical of the current government. He categorically denied any involvement in, support for, or orchestration of activities aimed at destabilizing or overthrowing the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, whose government recently bestowed one of Indonesia’s highest state honors upon him. The former general characterized these rumors as deliberate slander and misinformation, asserting that his entire career has been defined by a steadfast dedication to protecting the nation rather than challenging its leadership through illicit means.
Reinforcing his core principles, Hendropriyono reiterated his lifelong loyalty to the foundations of the Indonesian state: Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and the preservation of national stability. He clarified that while he recognizes the importance of freedom of expression as a pillar of democracy, such freedoms must function within legal boundaries. He insisted that legitimate criticism of government policies should be used to improve administrative outcomes, not as a pretext for seizing power or orchestrating unconstitutional regime change. For Hendropriyono, the path of subversion is antithetical to the principles he has upheld throughout his long tenure of public service.
In his concluding remarks, the retired general made a final appeal for media literacy and responsible digital citizenship, advising the public to thoroughly verify information before disseminating it across social platforms. He underscored that his commitment to the military oath he swore during his active service remains undiminished in retirement, binding him to protect the nation’s security above all else. By calling for collective vigilance, Hendropriyono hopes to insulate Indonesia from the destabilizing influence of foreign propaganda and internal disinformation, ensuring the country remains resilient against efforts that seek to erode its unity and democratic progress.
