Prabowo Claims His Words Are Distorted to Suggest Disrespect Towards Experts
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has stated that his speeches are sometimes distorted and narrated to suggest that he does not respect experts.
This was conveyed by Prabowo during a meeting with 22 experts to discuss peatland management regarding the potential for forest and land fires at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (24/9).
“So, brothers and sisters, do not misunderstand, because sometimes when I speak to an audience, my words are twisted, making it seem as though I do not respect experts,” said Prabowo in a video uploaded to the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Friday (25/9).
Prabowo claimed that he holds scientific expertise in high regard. He noted that since his time as an officer, he has always sought input from specialists.
On this occasion, Prabowo also requested that the experts provide him with recommendations regarding peatlands in Indonesia.
On Thursday (24/9), Prabowo invited several experts to discuss peatland management.
Following the meeting, Prabowo reportedly agreed to the formation of the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN), which will operate directly under the President.
“The President has made the decision to establish an agency called the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency, or abbreviated as BPGMN,” said Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni during a press conference following the meeting with 22 experts at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (24/9).
Prabowo’s remarks in speeches concerning experts have frequently drawn scrutiny. Most recently, during the 28th anniversary of the PAN party at JCC, Senayan, he criticised the narratives of experts who frequently protest the government’s strategic policies.
Prabowo also quoted a verse from the Al-Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah verse 191, which states that slander is more cruel than murder. He admitted that he is not bothered by such criticisms from experts.
“It is up to the experts who consider themselves experts. They are so smart they become foolish,” Prabowo remarked.