Eka Yudha Saputra, 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.