Prabowo Baffled by Intelligent and High-Ranking Individuals Turning to Theft
President Prabowo Subianto stated his bewilderment at individuals who are intelligent and hold high ranks yet still engage in corruption. Prabowo admitted he could not fathom their actions.
“I am saddened that as people rise in rank, many become increasingly unclear in their conduct. I am amazed; the smarter they are, many are smart thieves. I cannot wrap my head around it. I truly cannot,” said Prabowo while attending the International Labour Day celebration at the National Monument area, Jakarta, on Friday, 1 May 2026.
This situation, according to the Chairman General of the Gerindra Party, differs from when he is with workers, farmers, and fishermen. According to Prabowo, those who work with their sweat and own hands are noble people. Based on his experience, Prabowo stated that they are honest and sincere individuals.
Therefore, Prabowo said he felt called to fight for the country by becoming a soldier. But after retiring, he was shocked to see the reality that many people still struggle.
“I have risked my life many times for this nation, but I see many elites stealing the people’s money. This is not what I fought for; not a country robbed by thieves—I cannot accept it,” he said.
Prabowo stated he cannot accept government officials, entrusted by the people, engaging in corruption. “(They) instead collude with despicable businessmen, with greedy entrepreneurs,” he remarked.
This year, the International Labour Day commemoration in Jakarta was split into two locations. Both were in the Monas area, Central Jakarta, and in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building, Central Jakarta.
The All-Indonesian Confederation of Workers’ Unions together with the Labour Party commemorated May Day at Monas. However, their event was not a demonstration. The May Day at Monas was held as a celebration featuring President Prabowo Subianto.
Several workers’ union organisations chose not to join the 2026 May Day celebration at Monas with the authorities. Those who refused were united in the Alliance of the People’s Labour Movement or Gebrak.
This alliance consists of the Confederation of the Congress of Indonesian Labour Union Alliances (KASBI), the Indonesian Workers’ Struggle Federation (FPBI), the Federation of Food and Beverage Workers’ Unions (FSBMM), as well as organisations from various societal elements.
They planned to demonstrate and voice demands in front of the DPR building, Jakarta, during the Labour Day commemoration on Friday afternoon, 1 May 2026.
KASBI Confederation Chairman Sunarno said that the action organised by his group differed from the one held by KSPSI at Monas. He stated that the Labour Day commemoration in front of the DPR building was an independent and autonomous action.
“The May Day celebration organised at Monas, in our view, is filled with mainstream narratives and power co-optation,” he said.