Prabowo Claims Some Observers Do Not Wish Government Success; PKB Urges Dialogue
President Prabowo Subianto claimed that certain policy observers do not wish to see his government succeed. In response, PKB party chairman Daniel Johan argued that such observers should be invited for dialogue.
“Criticism from observers is an academic matter based on data, reality, and scientific knowledge, so if it is deemed incorrect, one should simply address it and respond using a data-driven and scientific approach,” Daniel told journalists on Monday 16 March 2026.
“The people want to see the government successfully implement programmes and policies that bring progress to the nation, and criticism emerges because there are still matters that the government needs to rectify in order to succeed,” he added.
Regarding the President’s statement about taking action against those deemed to oppose government success, Daniel expressed confidence that the underlying intention is to improve the quality of public discourse and policy discussion. He stressed that such action is not intended to suppress freedom of expression.
“Regarding the statement on taking action, we are confident that the spirit behind it is to improve the quality of public discourse and policy discussion, not to silence freedom of thought and expression,” he explained.
He emphasised that freedom of expression is guaranteed by the constitution and is an essential part of democratic life. Daniel argued that the government should invite such observers—or those who believe government performance remains unsatisfactory—for dialogue.
“If there are observers or parties who believe government performance is still unsatisfactory, they should be invited for dialogue and brought together to seek solutions jointly,” he said.
“The government is not a deity that can solve all national problems alone. We need contributions from all parties, including academics, observers, and civil society. Criticism is part of building a nation that is better and more advanced,” he added.
Earlier, Prabowo claimed that some observers apparently dislike his government’s success. According to him, these observers felt disadvantaged by his administration.
Prabowo made these remarks while chairing a Full Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday 13 March 2026. He was responding to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa’s statement that some parties claimed Indonesia’s economy was in crisis.
“Well, there are various types of observers, and in my view, some observers do not like their own government to succeed for various reasons. But in my opinion, their attitude is narrow-minded, not patriotic,” Prabowo said.