Prabowo Admits He is Often Reminded to Stick to Scripts, Explains Why
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has admitted that he is frequently reminded by his staff to deliver speeches according to prepared scripts.
This was disclosed by Prabowo while delivering a speech at the peak of the Democratic Party’s 25th anniversary celebrations held at the Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta, on Wednesday (9/9) evening.
Prabowo explained the reasons why his staff often remind him to stick to the prepared text. However, he further clarified why he occasionally speaks outside the prepared script, noting that he has already summarised the essence of the document.
During the Democratic Party event last night, he stated, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am indeed always reminded by my staff, ‘Sir, use the text, Sir. Do not deviate from the text’.”
Prabowo noted that the speech text prepared by his staff for this Democratic Party anniversary was very well-constructed. He mentioned that the text was supplemented with comprehensive presentations and infographics.
Prabowo even flipped through the speech text and showed it to the audience. “The presentation is very good, there are many graphics,” said Prabowo while displaying the document.
However, Prabowo mentioned that he prefers to summarise the essence of the presentation, while hoping not to mispeak during this particular speech. “Hopefully, I do not mispeak. But truly, if humans make mistakes, we simply apologise,” he said.
Regarding competition and government criticism, quoting a press release from the Government Communication Body (Bakom) shared with journalists, Prabowo emphasised the importance of maintaining unity and friendship within a democracy, despite differences in views, competition, or criticism.
Prabeway stated that democracy provides space for every party to have different colours and perspectives. Competition, criticism, suggestions, and recommendations are all parts of the democratic process that must be respected.
“This is Indonesian democracy. And today, on this stage, this is Indonesian democracy. Various colours. Competing, criticizing, conveying suggestions, and providing recommendations. Conveying things that might be unpleasant to say, but we remain harmonious, remain friendly, and remain like a family,” Prabowo said in the speech quoted from the press release.
Prabowo also touched upon the political journey of the Democratic Party and himself, noting experiences of both victory and defeat in political contests. He expressed great appreciation for the Democratic Party’s stance in upholding democracy while being outside the government.
“The Democratic Party has won, and has not won. It has been at the peak, and has been in government. But when not in power, the Democratic Party does not insult or resort to violence,” said Prabowo.
On that occasion, Prabowo also expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Democratic Party during the 2019 and 2024 election eras. Prabowo stated that such support demonstrates a shared vision and principle in building Indonesia.
“Because we indeed share the same aspirations and principles,” said Prabowo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board and Chairman of the Gerindra Party.