JAKARTA, July 18 -- Indonesia's "first cat" Bobby Kertanegara is entitled to state protection, a minister said, following backlash over the feline's police escort at a public event.

Deputy State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro said the tabby, considered part of President Prabowo Subianto's property, falls under official security protocols, Tempo reported yesterday.

"It's not just the president, but the president's property is also the responsibility of the state to be maintained," Juri told the Indonesian newspaper.

"Now I want to ask, who does Bobby belong to? Can the state guard him? Of course, it can. Why should there be a protest?"

Criticism erupted online after a video showed Bobby being wheeled in a stroller and escorted by uniformed ...