Key Points from Prabowo's Briefing to Cabinet Officials

President Prabowo Subianto delivered a briefing to the members of the Merah Putih Cabinet at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. The General Chairman of the Gerindra Party opened his speech at the working meeting by discussing claims of his government’s achievements.

In front of his aides, Prabowo discussed the accomplishments of the administration, which has been in office for nearly one year and six months. “In our first year, it cannot be denied that we have achieved tangible milestones of success,” said Prabowo.

He assessed that his government has achieved success amid a world filled with uncertainty and conflict. Wars in various regions, Prabowo stated, have caused shocks to global stability.

Prabowo invited all officials at the ministerial and deputy ministerial levels, heads and deputy heads of agencies, up to echelon one officials and directors of state-owned enterprises. Hundreds of these officials arrived at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday afternoon. Here are the key points from Prabowo’s briefing, which lasted nearly 60 minutes from the podium.

There Are Groups in Society Who Do Not Want to Cooperate

The former Minister of Defence highlighted groups in Indonesian society that he deemed unwilling to cooperate. Prabowo likened them to people who refuse to join in collective efforts to build a bridge in a village.

“There is one phenomenon that we all feel, that there are groups in society, our brothers and sisters too, fellow citizens too, part of the greater NKRI family too, who have an attitude that can be said to be very unwilling to cooperate,” he said.

Nevertheless, Prabowo stated that he has no issue with such a situation. However, he expressed surprise at people who criticise the bridge’s construction when they themselves refuse to participate. Moreover, he said, such criticism is delivered with harsh words.

“You’re stupid. The wood is wrong, not there. The nails are wrong, should be here. The chain is wrong,” said Prabowo, exemplifying the critics.

A continuous attitude of criticism, Prabowo assessed, will not get the bridge built. Therefore, Prabowo felt that those who want to participate in building the bridge should not be intimidated by it.

No Problem with Impeachment

The former Commander General of the Special Forces Command stated that he has no issue with discussions of impeachment or the president’s removal. However, he said, the mechanism must follow Indonesia’s democratic procedures.

He initially discussed the consensus in Indonesia that chooses democracy as the system of state. Prabowo said that the agreement to practise democracy has been in place since the era of the nation’s founders.

“So, brothers and sisters, in such conditions, we always adhere firmly to the major consensuses. We have chosen to govern democratically,” said Prabowo.

In a democratic system, he said, a government deemed poor can be replaced. The way is through good and peaceful mechanisms via general elections. In addition, another mechanism to replace the government in democracy is through impeachment. “It can also be through impeachment, no problem. But impeachment must go through the proper channels,” he stated.

In the impeachment mechanism, Prabowo said, various branches of power must be involved. This includes examination at the Constitutional Court, approval by the House of Representatives, and decision-making by the People’s Consultative Assembly.

Prabowo highlighted that several Indonesian presidents have stepped down through the impeachment mechanism. Among them are the First President Soekarno and the Fourth President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur. Prabowo also mentioned the Second President Soeharto, who resigned peacefully after a series of demonstrations in 1998.

Indonesia Is Among the Safest if World War III Occurs

Prabowo said Indonesia is one of the safest countries if World War III were to occur because he assessed Indonesia’s condition as better than most other countries. “Now, if World War III happens, which country is safe? Indonesia is among the top ranks,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo said he does not believe that Indonesia’s current condition is dark. The narrative “Dark Indonesia” was once the title of a demonstration protesting Prabowo’s government policies in early 2025.

Prabowo gave examples that he deemed show security in Indonesia. In Bali, he said, there are many Russian and Ukrainian citizens while their two countries are at war. According to Prabowo, wars are happening everywhere now. “For me, there is no dark Indonesia. Indonesia is bright while many countries are struggling,” he said.

Prabowo highlighted wars also occurring in the Middle East region. Prabowo questioned where the money and capital in the Middle East would move amid such conditions. He saw that situation as an opportunity for Indonesia, which is not experiencing war. Indonesia, he said, is one of the most sought-after investment destinations.

Harsh Criticism of Stubbornness

The Head of State referred to the Iranian nation as a stubborn nation. Prabowo conveyed that view after Iran faced bombardment from the United States and Israel for nearly six weeks since the end of February 2026.

However, he initially discussed various criticisms against him, one of which accused him of being stubborn. “Sometimes, being stubborn in a job is necessary,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo then exemplified the Iranian nation, which he deemed stubborn as well. “Now people say the Iranian people are stubborn, the Iranian fighters are stubborn,” he stated.

According to Prabowo, the Iranian nation is stubborn despite repeated threats. “Back and forth threatened, to be eliminated. (But) I don’t interfere in other countries’ domestic politics,” he said.

Prabowo then stated that a stubborn attitude is sometimes needed for a nation. He compared it to the stance of Indonesia’s founding fathers.

“Our founding fathers were stubborn, better to die”