Prabowo Addresses Accelerated Priority Programmes and Declining Satisfaction Surveys

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has spoken regarding the acceleration of priority programmes since the beginning of his administration, as well as the risk of declining public satisfaction surveys regarding government performance.

Prabowo shared these views during an interview session with several journalists as part of the ‘President Prabowo Answers’ programme. Initially, he was questioned about his decision to fast-track priority programmes during his first year in the presidency.

Prabowo did not deny that he is accelerating the implementation of priority programmes. He cited the food self-sufficiency programme being undertaken by the Minister of Agriculture, Amran Sulaiman, as an example.

“So, if you say I am accelerating, then yes. I originally allocated four years for food self-sufficiency. But, frankly, I must admit I have an agricultural team and a great Minister of Agriculture. I am fortunate,” said Prabowo.

“From four years, he [Amran] can achieve food self-sufficiency in one year. This is extraordinary,” he added.

Prabowo subsequently criticised certain parties whom he claimed refuse to acknowledge the government’s achievements in food self-sufficiency. However, Prabowo stated that his current focus is solely on working for the people who elected him.

Regarding political risks, Prabowo admitted he places more trust in the evidence of his team’s work.

“So, the risk exists, but I believe in evidence, in the truth. If we achieve food self-sufficiency, we are relatively safe in facing many problems. Imagine if there is war in the Middle East and elsewhere; if we are not food self-sufficient, how would we manage? Look at our neighbours, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan—check the price of rice there,” said Prabowo.

“Therefore, I think I am very confident that every time I appear before the people, the people welcome me in large numbers,” he added.