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Rights groups slam Jokowi for spying boast
The controversial claim made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo that he had complete access to intelligence information concerning the internal affairs of every political party has sparked concerns of a potential abuse of state security agencies for his personal gain.
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Security guards walk in front of the flags of political parties participating in the 2024 general election at the General Elections Commission (KPU) headquarters in Jakarta on July 24, 2023. (Antara/Indrianto Eko Suwarso)
The controversial claim made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo that he has complete access to intelligence information concerning the internal affairs of every political party has sparked concerns of a potential abuse of power by state security agencies for his own personal gain.
Speaking at a rally on Saturday hosted by Seknas Jokowi, a group of volunteers who have been loyally supporting him since the 2014 presidential election, the President drew attention to his ability to access intelligence information about every move by political parties.
In a 25-minute speech, the President largely talked about the need for a leader who is “consistent” and has the ability to “garner public trust” in the three most important elections in 2024, 2029, and 2034 that will determine whether Indonesia can become a developed nation.
"I know the insides of political parties. I know what kind of parties [they are], I also understand which direction they are planning to go in. The information I have received from the intelligence is complete,” Jokowi said.
Boasting of his control over the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the intelligence departments of the military and the police, Jokowi suggested that he was well aware of the ongoing internal activities and what goes on behind the closed doors of every political party.
“Data figures, and surveys are all there. I have everything and they only belong to the President because [they] directly report to me,” Jokowi said.
Jokowi’s statements came against the backdrop of the coalition building by political parties ahead of the upcoming presidential election, in which the President previously stated he intended to interfere (cawe-cawe) in the name of the national interest.
