“I have been talking about hate speech [earlier] and to insult a symbol of the state, this should be followed up [by the police],” said Jokowi after meeting with executives of Muhammadiyah in Jakarta on Tuesday as reported by tribunnews.com.

Previously, Dhani was reported by supporters of Jokowi for allegedly insulting the President. At his speech during the mass rally, Dhani criticized Jokowi for not respecting ulemas because he refused to meet them during the rally.

In part of his speech, Dhani made references to animals when speaking about the President, which was considered as an insult by Jokowi supporters.

“If there is legal basis, it should be followed up on,” said Jokowi, when he was asked to comment on the report filed by his supporters—Projo (Pro Jokowi) and Laskar Rakyat Jokowi (People Troops for Jokowi)—to Jakarta Police against Dhani.

If Dhani is found guilty, he could face jail time of between six months and a year.

Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi told police to immediately undertake legal proceedings against the musician as his harsh words were exceptionally insulting to the President.

“We fully support the legal process [against Dhani],” said Budi, adding that “insults to the President have caused our democracy to lose its soul.” (bbn)

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