Ex-spy chief warns against disinformation and division

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Former Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono urged the public to remain vigilant against attempts to sow division through disinformation, hoaxes and provocation, warning such efforts could undermine national unity.

The retired general and intelligence scholar said recent developments highlighted the risks posed by false information and narratives designed to pit Indonesians against one another.

"We all need to be vigilant against false information, especially slander, hoaxes and provocations deliberately spread to divide fellow citizens," Hendropriyono said in a statement on Friday.

He said history had repeatedly shown that social and political divisions often begin with misleading information and suspicion intentionally planted within society.

According to Hendropriyono, differences of opinion in a democracy should be expressed through lawful, peaceful and constitutional channels.

He also urged the public to be alert to attempts to incite hatred, hostility or unconstitutional actions that could threaten a legitimate government.

Under current circumstances, he said, it was essential for citizens to exercise sound judgment, verify information and respect the rule of law.

"Do not be easily provoked by issues with unclear origins and motives," he said.

He stressed that national unity, constitutional order and state security must take precedence over factional interests and short-term political ambitions.

The retired general, who received one of Indonesia's highest state honors from President Prabowo Subianto, said democracy could only flourish when differences were addressed through peaceful, civilized and constitutional means.

Any unconstitutional effort that threatened national unity or a legitimate government should have no place in public life, he added.

Responding to allegations

In the same statement, Hendropriyono responded to allegations circulating online that linked him to groups strongly critical of the government.

"I affirm that neither I nor people close to me are involved in, support, or have ever instructed anyone to carry out activities aimed at overthrowing a legitimate government," he said.

Freedom of expression in a democracy must remain within legal and constitutional boundaries, he said, describing claims that he was involved in efforts to topple the government as slander and misinformation.

Hendropriyono said he had devoted his career to serving the country through various assignments and responsibilities.

"My principles remain unchanged: safeguarding Indonesia's unity, Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution and national stability," he said.

He added that criticism of government policies in any democracy should not be aimed at seizing or overthrowing power.

"That is not a path I believe in," he said.

Hendropriyono also urged the public to verify information before sharing it and not to accept online claims at face value.

"I have never been and will never be behind any demonstration aimed at overthrowing the government," he said.

He said his commitment to the military oath he took during active service remained unchanged in retirement, emphasizing that his duty was to protect the nation, not weaken it.

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Translator: Laily R, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak

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