From Racetrack to Parliament: The Controversy Surrounding Moreno Soeprapto’s Conduct in the DPR

By: Okezone Editorial Team
Jakarta, September 21, 2026

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has once again found itself at the center of a public ethics debate. This time, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Moreno Soeprapto, a prominent lawmaker and former professional athlete. A viral video depicting the politician engaged in a casual video call, punctuated by laughter and a playful gesture—specifically, sticking out his tongue—during a formal parliamentary session, has ignited widespread discourse regarding legislative decorum, professional standards, and the public’s expectations of their elected representatives.

As the footage circulated across various social media platforms, it triggered a wave of criticism from netizens and political observers alike. For a body tasked with shaping the nation’s future and deliberating on critical policy, the optics of a representative appearing disengaged or flippant during a session are significant. Following the backlash, Moreno Soeprapto issued a formal apology via his official Instagram account, attempting to provide context to the viral incident.

The Incident: A Breach of Legislative Etiquette?

The controversy stems from a clip captured by the official parliamentary broadcast, TV Parlemen. In the footage, Moreno is seen sitting within the plenary hall, ostensibly participating in a session. However, instead of focusing on the proceedings, he is captured interacting with his smartphone. At one point, his demeanor changes to a more casual, lighthearted expression, culminating in him laughing and briefly sticking out his tongue toward the camera of his phone.

While the exact nature of the video call remains private, the timing—occurring while other members were engaged in serious deliberation—has led to accusations of indifference toward the gravity of the DPR’s responsibilities. In the eyes of many voters, the plenary hall represents the highest level of legislative service, and any behavior that suggests a lack of seriousness is often perceived as an insult to the constituents who elected them.

Chronology of the Controversy

1. The Session: During a routine, yet significant, parliamentary session at the DPR RI building in Jakarta, lawmakers were gathered to discuss pending legislation.
2. The Capture: The TV Parlemen feed, which broadcasts sessions for transparency, caught Moreno Soeprapto on camera engaging in a personal video call.
3. The Viral Surge: Within hours, clips of the incident were extracted and shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
4. Public Outcry: By the morning of September 21, 2026, the incident had become a trending topic, with users questioning the professionalism of the legislative body.
5. The Response: Recognizing the intensity of the public reaction, Moreno Soeprapto uploaded a video statement to his social media, clarifying the situation and offering an apology for any perceived disrespect.

Moreno Soeprapto: A Profile of a Politician-Athlete

To understand the public’s reaction, it is necessary to examine the background of Moreno Soeprapto. His journey from the high-octane world of motor racing to the bureaucratic hallways of Senayan is unique, making him a recognizable figure in Indonesian public life.

Early Life and Racing Legacy

Born on November 14, 1982, Moreno was raised in an environment defined by speed, precision, and performance. He is the son of the legendary Indonesian racer Tinton Soeprapto and Dewi Anggraini. His older brother, Ananda Mikola, is also a renowned figure in the automotive world. Growing up in this atmosphere, Moreno developed a competitive spirit that eventually propelled him to success on the track, where he established himself as a household name in Indonesian motorsport.

Beyond his immediate family, Moreno possesses a storied lineage. He is of mixed Javanese and Minangkabau descent. Historical records suggest he is a descendant of Raden Tumenggung Ario Notodiningrat III, who served as the Regent of Malang between 1884 and 1898. This deep connection to the history of East Java has often been cited as a contributing factor to his political base in the region.

The Transition to Politics

In 2014, Moreno transitioned from the cockpit of a race car to the political arena. Running as a candidate for the Gerindra Party, he successfully secured a seat in the DPR RI, representing the East Java V electoral district (which includes Malang City, Malang Regency, and Batu).

Since 2014, Moreno has been a fixture in the DPR, often serving on commissions related to sports, youth affairs, and education. His supporters have historically viewed him as a modern, relatable politician who bridges the gap between the youth demographic and traditional legislative structures. However, his high profile also means that any lapse in judgment is scrutinized more heavily than that of a less public figure.

The Public and Political Implication

The fallout from this incident raises broader questions about the culture within the Indonesian parliament. When a lawmaker is caught in a moment of levity during a session, it feeds into a long-standing public narrative that politicians are detached from the struggles of the people they represent.

The Role of Transparency

The fact that this incident was caught on camera is a testament to the importance of the TV Parlemen broadcast. While such transparency is intended to build trust, it also serves as a mirror for the conduct of representatives. For the public, the "digital footprint" of a politician has become as important as their voting record. The viral nature of this clip suggests that voters are increasingly holding their representatives to higher standards of behavior, expecting total focus during work hours.

The "Representative" Dilemma

Politicians are expected to balance their public and private lives, but the plenary hall is a space where the "public" identity must remain paramount. Critics argue that even if the call was a personal matter, the location made it an official one. In contrast, supporters of Moreno suggest that the reaction has been disproportionate, noting that lawmakers are humans who face long, exhausting hours and that a brief lapse in decorum should not define an entire career.

Official Responses and Damage Control

Moreno’s rapid response is reflective of the modern political climate in Indonesia, where social media is the primary battleground for reputation management. By addressing the issue directly on Instagram, Moreno attempted to control the narrative before it could escalate into a formal ethics investigation by the DPR’s Honorary Council (MKD).

In his statement, Moreno did not attempt to deny the content of the video. Instead, he expressed remorse, acknowledging that his actions were inappropriate for the setting. He emphasized his commitment to his constituents and his dedication to his duties, framing the incident as a human error rather than a lack of respect for the institution.

The Ethics Committee’s Role

While the MKD has not yet officially launched a probe, the incident serves as a reminder that the legislative body has mechanisms in place to handle "unprofessional conduct." Such investigations, if they were to occur, usually focus on whether the lawmaker violated the code of conduct governing the behavior of DPR members while in the plenary hall.

Moving Forward: Lessons for the Legislature

As the dust settles, the "Moreno incident" serves as a case study for the evolving expectations of public office. The combination of digital accessibility and high public scrutiny means that the era of "off-the-record" behavior in the plenary hall is effectively over.

Strengthening Parliamentary Decorum

There is a growing sentiment among civil society groups that the DPR should implement stricter guidelines regarding the use of personal devices during sessions. Some suggest that while personal communication is sometimes necessary, it should be restricted to designated areas outside the main floor to avoid the optics of disengagement.

The Need for Re-engagement

For Moreno Soeprapto, the challenge will be to shift the focus back to his legislative achievements. With years of service in the DPR, his career is marked by various policy initiatives and constituent engagements in East Java. Whether he can move past this incident depends on his ability to demonstrate, through consistent and focused performance in upcoming sessions, that the viral clip was an isolated event rather than a reflection of his work ethic.

Conclusion

The story of Moreno Soeprapto—the racer-turned-politician caught in a moment of unguarded laughter during a parliamentary session—is a snapshot of modern governance. It highlights the intersection of celebrity, digital surveillance, and the rigid expectations of public service. While the incident may seem trivial to some, it touches upon the core of representative democracy: the sacred trust between the people and their chosen officials.

As Indonesia continues to navigate the complexities of its democratic system, incidents like these will continue to serve as litmus tests for how public figures manage their reputations. For now, the apology has been issued, the explanation provided, and the cameras continue to roll in the halls of the DPR. Whether the public chooses to forgive and forget, or whether this incident lingers as a stain on his political record, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that in the age of viral media, the standard for professional conduct has never been higher.