Golkar on 'Ministers Who Can't Cope Should Step Aside': Running Indonesia Cannot Take Holidays

Golkar deputy chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia has responded to President Prabowo Subianto’s warning that members of his administration should leave the cabinet if they feel unable to work on public holidays. Doli said there are no days off when it comes to running the country.

“Serving the country, the nation, and the Indonesian people requires total commitment. Progress can only be achieved by devoting all our energy, effort, strength, and time,” Doli told journalists on Friday (28/8/2026).

Doli said a leader must carry the people’s mandate properly. He said the interests of the public must be prioritised.

“Moreover, as leaders and representatives who have been entrusted by the people, their responsibility must be greater than that of ordinary Indonesian citizens. Everything must be willingly sacrificed for the sake of the state’s duties,” he said.

Doli said there are no public holidays when it comes to managing the country. He also stressed that the matter of a reshuffle is the President’s prerogative.

“Let alone just a public holiday. So I agree with the President’s statement. Indeed, running Indonesia cannot have any days off,” Doli said.

“That is the consequence and a form of responsibility as holders of the people’s mandate. As for the reshuffle, once again, that is Mr Prabowo’s prerogative as President,” he added.

Previously, Prabowo delivered a serious message to his ministers in the Red and White Cabinet. He warned them to leave the cabinet if they felt unable to work on public holidays.

Prabowo made the statement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 100 GWp solar power plant in Jembrana, Bali, which coincided with the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday commemoration on Tuesday (25/8). Prabowo said his cabinet continues to work almost without recognising holidays.

“Today is an important day, even though it is a holiday, even though it is the Prophet’s birthday, we are fighting for our people. Indeed, in the Red and White Cabinet there are perhaps almost no public holidays,” Prabowo said.

“And that is the risk, the risk of service. Those who cannot cope may step aside; there are many who want to replace you,” he continued.