Prabowo: A Great Nation is One that Respects Its Culture

Jakarta, VIVA – President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has stressed that a great nation is one that respects its own culture. Therefore, he called on all Indonesian people not to feel inferior when viewing their own nation, especially since Indonesia possesses an abundant cultural heritage.

Prabowo delivered this message while opening the 16th National Congress of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) on Saturday, 11 April 2026.

Prabowo believes that Indonesian society needs to respect its own culture because it greatly influences the nation’s soul and spirit. According to his observations, advanced and prosperous nations generally have a spirit that reflects respect for their cultures.

“A great nation is one that respects its own culture. A great nation respects its parents and ancestors,” said Prabowo.

This call was not made without reason, but rather drawing from Indonesia’s history.

He recounted that in the past, Indonesia’s educated class was once enamoured with things from abroad. Over time, this attitude developed into a psychological pattern known as an inferiority complex, namely feelings of inferiority and not measuring up to other nations.

Yet, according to him, there are many aspects of Indonesia that are very worthy of pride, especially the cultural achievements that are unique and cannot be found elsewhere.

Therefore, he invited the entire Indonesian nation to remain proud and respect the cultural heritage that has been passed down from the past.

“We are proud to wear teluk belanga. We are proud to wear kopiah. We are proud to wear sarung. We are proud to wear songket. This is our culture,” explained Prabowo.

However, this does not mean that society should be closed off to foreign cultures. According to him, Indonesia still respects other countries, but must not forget its national identity.

“We are proud of our own culture. We respect all countries, but we must not forget our own nation,” he concluded.