Feri Amsari: Indonesia's Shadow Cabinet Does Not Constitute Treason

6 hours ago 1

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Shadow Cabinet State Secretary Feri Amsari said the newly formed civilian-led cabinet is not seeking to overthrow the government, stage a coup, or commit treason, arguing that its establishment does not meet the legal definition of treason.

"Based on our understanding, there is not a single article related to treason that applies to us," Feri said during a Shadow Cabinet press conference in Central Jakarta on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Under Indonesia’s Criminal Code (KUHP), treason-related offenses are regulated under Articles 104, 107, 108, and 109, which cover crimes against state security. Feri, a constitutional law expert, said none of these provisions applied to the Shadow Cabinet’s activities.

He emphasized that the group had no intention of physically attacking the president or vice president, nor of changing the government structure or ministries.

"We are not trying to change anything. We are only imagining an alternative," he said.

Feri also rejected allegations that the Shadow Cabinet sought to seize Indonesian territory or carry out an armed coup.

"We do not have weapons. We only have microphones," he said.

However, Feri described the Shadow Cabinet as a form of "people’s weapon," saying that citizens’ main tool is the right to speak.

"The right to speak is usually frightening for authoritarian governments," he said.

The Shadow Cabinet was established by a group of civil society figures, including academics and activists, with 15 individuals selected to fill ministerial positions in the alternative cabinet.

Feri said the initiative was not intended to seize power from President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Instead, he said it was a response to what he described as the weakening of checks and balances over the executive branch.

According to Feri, Indonesia currently lacks a formal opposition capable of effectively challenging the Red and White Cabinet (Kabinet Merah Putih), which is largely composed of figures from coalition parties supporting the government.

He argued that Indonesia has many capable individuals who could contribute to governance, but political interests have prevented them from playing a larger role.

"Unfortunately, all of that cannot happen because it is constrained by political interests," Feri said in an official statement cited on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Feri stressed that the Shadow Cabinet was formed independently, without support from political parties or politicians. He said all members participate voluntarily and on a pro bono basis for the public interest.

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Shadow Cabinet to Issue Report Card Assessing Prabowo's Performance

3 jam lalu