UPDATE: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has launched an alarming crackdown on dissent, seizing books deemed subversive in a shocking display of authoritarianism. Just this month, authorities confiscated works by noted historian Peter Carey and other writers as part of a sweeping raid on the office of human rights lawyer Delpedro Marhaen.
This urgent development comes in the wake of widespread riots in late August, fueled by public outrage over politicians awarding themselves hefty allowances while the populace faces crippling economic challenges. Nearly 1,000 demonstrators were arrested, including 295 children, raising serious concerns about human rights violations in Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous nation.
The police action targeted Carey’s book, Corruption in the Perspective of Indonesian History, which examines historical corruption. The authorities have reportedly charged Marhaen with incitement under the Criminal Code, sparking fears of increased repression under Prabowo’s regime.
In a troubling echo of oppressive regimes past, police have also seized other significant works, including Pemikiran Karl Marx by Jesuit scholar Dr. Franz Magnis-Suseno and a translation of Oscar Wilde’s The Soul of Man Under Socialism. The confiscation reflects a broader climate of fear, as police claim these texts promote “anarchism” and challenge Prabowo’s rule.
The police’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates. Albert Wirya, director of the Legal Aid Institute for Society, condemned the book seizures as “a suppression of free speech,” warning that such actions send a chilling message to the public about the dangers of reading dissenting views.
Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono echoed these concerns, stating, “Reading about Marxism or anarchism does not automatically make people communists or anarchists.” This sentiment underscores the urgent need for a robust defense of intellectual freedom in Indonesia.
As Prabowo continues to emulate the tactics of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has also pursued critics with fervor, observers are left questioning the implications for democracy in Indonesia. During a recent summit in Egypt, Prabowo was overheard seeking a connection with Trump, raising concerns about potential collaboration on suppressive measures against dissent.
The current political landscape in Indonesia is deeply unsettling. With over 95% literacy according to the World Bank, the nation ranks low in actual readership, highlighting a disconnect between education and engagement with literature. The recent police actions may further discourage the already limited culture of reading, as citizens become wary of the contents of their bookshelves.
Authorities assert that the seized books are not banned but emphasize the need for caution among readers. The message is clear: dissent will not be tolerated. As Indonesia approaches a critical juncture, the international community watches closely, urging the government to uphold human rights and prevent a descent into authoritarianism.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on Prabowo’s next moves and the potential for further crackdowns on free expression. Will Indonesia’s vibrant intellectual community be silenced? Stay tuned for updates on this pressing issue.
