September 12, 2025 | 11:53 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Minister of Religious Affairs, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, stated that President Prabowo Subianto has committed to upholding civilian supremacy. This commitment was revealed during a meeting with prominent figures from Gerakan Nurani Bangsa (the National Conscience Movement) at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 11, 2025. The group met with the president to discuss the large-scale demonstrations that occurred at the end of August.
"One of the points we conveyed was that civilian supremacy must be upheld, and the President repeatedly stated his commitment to this," said Lukman, who was one of the figures present.
Lukman, who is also a member of Amnesty International Indonesia, expressed hope that Prabowo's pledge would be realized.
During the meeting, the intellectuals and ulema from the movement also requested that President Prabowo release activists and students who remain in police custody following the August demonstrations.
"We hope they can be released as soon as possible because they are, fundamentally, our children who shouldn't be in such a position," Lukman said after the three-hour meeting.
He argued that their detention would disrupt their education and could jeopardize their futures. Lukman noted that the students and activists were peacefully protesting, as is guaranteed by the constitution.
He suggested that the violence that erupted was likely not initiated by the protesters. "Many are unaware of what really happened. So, this is what we urge the government to promptly follow up on," Lukman stated.
The figures from Gerakan Nurani Bangsa also urged the President to form an independent investigative team to look into the demonstrations that ended in riots.
Furthermore, the General Chair of the Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), Gomar Gultom, urged the President to reform the police. He stated that the President must evaluate and reorganize the leadership and policies of the National Police. The goal is to prevent police from engaging in excessive actions that violate human and constitutional rights.
"So, it's like a mutual agreement. What our friends have formulated will be carried out by Pak President, especially regarding the issue of police reform," Gultom said.
Gerakan Nurani Bangsa presented these demands during their meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace.
The delegation included: Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid, M. Quraish Shihab, Ahmad Mustofa Bisri, Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, Omi Komariah Nurcholish Madjid, Frans Magnis-Suseno, Amin Abdullah, Bhikkhu Pannyavaro Mahathera, Alissa Q. Wahid, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Karlina Rohima Supelli, Jacky Manuputty, Gomar Gultom, A. Setyo Wibowo, Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, Eri Seda, Laode Moh. Syarif, Makarim Wibisono, Komaruddin Hidayat, and Slamet Rahardjo.
Editor's Choice: Scholars and Ulema Urge Prabowo to Free Detained Activists, Students
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Why Did the Student Movement After August Protests Begin to Fade?
15 menit lalu
The All-Indonesia Students Executive Board (BEM SI) rejects the idea that the student movement has lost its direction.
Problems Remaining After the Looting of Sri Mulyani's Residence
5 jam lalu
The looting not only robbed Sri Mulyani of her rights but was also a threat to the economy. The people are still waiting for better policies.
Scholars and Ulema Urge Prabowo to Free Detained Activists, Students
5 jam lalu
President Prabowo is also urged to form an independent investigative team to probe the violent turn of the protests at the end of August.
Top 4 Tourist Destinations to Explore in Nepal
13 jam lalu
Located at the foot of the Himalayas, Nepal captivates tourists with its natural beauty and historical sites.
President Prabowo Urged to Form Investigation Team on August Unrest
13 jam lalu
Gerakan Nurani Bangsa urged President Prabowo to form an independent investigative team immediately to look into the protest unrest.
5 Major Protests in Indonesia from the 1998 Reformation to August 2025
15 jam lalu
A series of large protests occurred in Indonesia from the May 1998 tragedy until the DPR allowance protest in August 2025.
Today's Top 3 News: Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Declares Force Majeure Amid Flooding
15 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Nepal Youth Propose Former Female Chief Justice as Interim PM
18 jam lalu
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki will represent Nepal's youth demonstrators in talks with the army on forming a new government.
Indonesian Govt Rejects Calls for Fact-Finding Team on August Protest Unrest
18 jam lalu
The government ensures that the police have arrested individuals suspected of being involved in the August protest unrest.
Indonesia to Distribute Smart TVs to 330,000 Schools by Year-End, Says Prabowo
19 jam lalu
President Prabowo stated that the provision of smart TVs is the government's effort to catch up with technology-based learning.
