Prabowo at the Marsinah Museum: I am saddened to see officials engaging in corruption
President Prabowo Subianto expressed his sadness and disappointment over reports of public officials engaging in corruption. He emphasized that those entrusted with positions of power have a responsibility to the people and the state, and that no one, regardless of their relationship with him, is above the law.
The President shared his concerns during a speech to the public at the Marsinah Museum in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday morning (May 16).
“I am saddened to see reports of officials engaging in corruption. I am deeply disappointed because those involved are people I trust,” Prabowo said in a live broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
“These are people I appointed, people I mentored, people I gave honor and entrusted with important positions, and yet they engage in corruption, stealing the people’s money! What should I do?”
He recounted an incident where the Head of the Financial Supervisory Agency (BPKP), Muhammad Yusuf Ateh, came to him, looking tense and hesitant. The Head of BPKP was stressed because the corruption cases he was about to report involved names close to the President. He then asked for guidance on whether the investigation should continue.
Upon hearing this, Prabowo immediately gave a firm order. For him, there is no room for favoritism or protection for anyone who dares to touch the people’s money, no matter how close they are to him.
“He looked at me and asked for guidance. I said, ‘Continue the investigation! There is no such thing as ’Prabowo’s people’ or ‘not Prabowo’s people.’ If there is evidence, continue the investigation!”, Prabowo said, quoting his instructions at the time.
The former Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Pangkostrad) emphasized that the mandate and position in the state carry full responsibility that must be accounted for to the people and the state, not as a shield for personal interests.
He regretted the attitude of some individuals who, after being given power, became arrogant and felt untouchable by the law.
“In fact, when given honor, they should be more careful and more vigilant, not use their authority and trust to feel superior and think that the state is foolish,” he said sharply.
Prabowo also warned that in this digital age, all financial transactions and bureaucratic processes are closely monitored. He believes that covering up corrupt practices is impossible because sooner or later, they will be uncovered.
He is most concerned about the social and psychological impact that the children and wives of these officials will have to bear when their cases are exposed at the end of their careers.
Prabowo also stated that this firm and impartial stance applies to his own party, Gerindra. The Chairman of the Gerindra Party welcomes law enforcement to investigate and prosecute his party members if they are proven to be involved in corruption.
He also demands the same firmness from high-ranking officials, generals, and former generals in the TNI and Polri to maintain their honor at the end of their service by providing a good example to the public.
Prabowo also gave a final warning to all officials who have enjoyed assets or money from illegal means to immediately return them voluntarily before the law takes further action.
“If I receive reports and it makes me sad, I will ask them to return what they obtained illegally. If they refuse, then I will hand them over to the prosecutor’s office,” Prabowo concluded.