Prabowo Criticises Unpatriotic Observers: We Will Bring Order

President Prabowo Subianto has accused several policy observers of lacking patriotic sentiment. He claimed they derive financial advantage from criticising the government.

Prabowo stated that various types of observers exist in Indonesia. According to him, one category consists of observers who dislike his government’s success because they harbour hidden motives. “In my view, their stance is narrow-minded, not patriotic,” Prabowo said during a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Prabowo speculated about the motivations of these critics. He suggested they may feel defeated, lack power, or have lost their sources of income because his administration is strict on corruption. “Particularly thieves and corrupt officials—they naturally suffer under our government. We want to bring order,” he stated.

Prabowo revealed he regularly receives intelligence reports about observers dissatisfied with the government. From these reports, he claimed to know which parties fund them.

Prabowo expressed his intention to take action against them. “In time, we will bring order to all of that. But for now, we are still trying through convincing methods,” he said.

According to Prabowo, he is currently seeking to convince the public through an evidence-based approach. He is confident the people can understand government policies when presented with clear evidence.

Prabowo expressed bewilderment at observers who constantly disparage the government. “So these observers in my view, some are motivated to create public anxiety. I also don’t understand what their thinking is like because we are one country,” he stated.

Prabowo compared Indonesia to a large ship. If the ship tilts, all passengers will be affected. He argued that all parties should unite and work together to save this large vessel, particularly after electoral competition concludes.

President Prabowo has repeatedly accused his critics of deriving financial benefit from evaluating his government. On 12 January 2026, for example, Prabowo referred to a small group of people who frequently mock him and spread negative views about his administration. He suspected these individuals are paid by foreign powers.

Prabowo made these remarks while attending the inauguration ceremony of 166 people’s schools in Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan Province. He initially expressed his gratitude that Indonesia is in good condition. However, Prabowo noted, the world is in turmoil and fraught with uncertainty.

According to him, Indonesia possesses substantial natural resource potential, but it has been poorly managed for decades. For Prabowo, it is not easy to improve this situation. “Many people mock me, I know. Actually, not many, just a handful. Perhaps they have money and the means to spread cynicism and pessimism, and most likely they are paid by foreign powers—that is my belief, my conviction,” Prabowo said, as broadcast live on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Monday, 12 January 2026.