Prabowo Criticises Political Turmoil: Other Nations Are Advancing Towards Prosperity

President Prabowo Subianto has addressed acts of rioting, arson, and anarchy which he says frequently emerge in political dynamics. He stated he disagrees if such actions are considered productive, while other nations continue to strive for prosperity and various breakthroughs. “Please, if anyone has a different opinion, that is their right. I say we differ if anyone believes that rioting, bickering, arson, anarchy, hatred, hostility, and name-calling are productive, while other nations are moving towards prosperity, towards breakthroughs, towards wealth,” Prabowo said at the National Gathering of the 2026 Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) at JCC Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Friday (26/6). Prabowo then reminded the audience that he has run five times to seek a mandate from the people through general elections. Out of those five candidacies, he said he experienced defeat four times. Nevertheless, Prabowo claimed he never disturbed the leaders who obtained the mandate from the people through the democratic process. “As a political leader, I was elected democratically. I went to the people five times to ask for a mandate. Four times I was not given the mandate. Four times I lost, but I did not disturb the leader who received the mandate,” he said. Prabowo stated that the Indonesian nation has agreed to make democracy the foundation of national life. According to him, the sovereignty of the people is realised through general elections, so the results must be respected even if they do not always meet everyone’s expectations. “We understand, we may not be satisfied, but what is the alternative? Do we want chaos, after every election there is chaos, the losers riot. When will we move towards prosperity for our people?” he said. He also invited all elements of the nation to recall the purpose of the state, which is to realise a decent life for the community. According to Prabowo, leaders, academics, and all citizens have an obligation to dedicate their abilities to the interests of the people, especially the poorest and weakest groups. “Is that not our duty as citizens, as leaders, as the smartest people in this country? Should we not dedicate all our intelligence to our poorest and weakest people?” Prabowo said.