Prabowo asserts no protection for close associates in corruption cases

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has emphasised that he will not protect close associates entangled in legal cases as part of his commitment to eradicating corruption.

“I have proven it. Mr Dadan was part of my campaign team, my expert team. I was the one who appointed him as the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). I was also the one who handed him over to the prosecutor’s office,” said Prablamo during the ‘President Answers’ programme, as quoted in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Prabowo cited Dadan Hindayana, who served as a campaign expert and was appointed as the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), as an example of law enforcement that does not consider personal proximity. Dadan is currently a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the management of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Programme within the BGN.

In addition to the Dadan case, Prabowo mentioned the seizure of assets from the Sultan Hotel as another example. He stated that the owner of the Sultan Hotel, Pontjo Sutowo, is his acquaintance, but that relationship does not alter his stance regarding the interests of the state.

“How many [cases] have I handed over, and how many assets have we seized? Regarding the Sultan Hotel, many lobbied me. Mr Pontjo might be considered a prominent figure, and he is indeed my friend. But I have no friends; this is about the state,” he said.

Prabowo stated that the principle of preventing conflicts of interest has been applied since he served as Minister of Defence in 2019. He admitted to having instructed his family and close associates within the Gerindra Party not to seek business opportunities within the Ministry of Defence.

As President, Prabowo said he has also warned Gerindra members not to rely on their closeness to him when facing legal issues. He noted that several regional heads from his party have already been arrested by law enforcement agencies.

“As soon as I became President, I said, ‘Be careful, brothers of Gerindra. Just because I am President, if you are wrong, I cannot protect you.’ I told them upfront,” the President said.

Prabowo emphasised that national and public interests must be placed above personal or group interests in the conduct of state affairs.

“In governing a nation, we must be prudent and wise. Ultimately, the national interest and the interest of the people must prevail above all else,” he asserted.