Prabowo: Democracy Is the Best System, We Must Continue to Safeguard It

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the democratic process is often fraught with challenges and dynamics, yet it remains the best option for achieving justice, hope, and inclusive governance. He made the remarks during a dinner speech with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jakarta on Tuesday. “Democracy is the best system compared to all other systems that human civilisation has ever tried,” Prabowo said. He acknowledged that in practice, democracy carries various risks, noting there are always challenges, pitfalls, and parties attempting to hijack the democratic process for specific interests. He therefore called on all elements of the nation to maintain trust in democracy so that the process runs according to correct principles. “We must not give up. We must continue to believe in democracy and strive to safeguard it,” he said. On the occasion, Prabowo also expressed his delight at meeting a young member of the General Elections Commission (KPU). The Head of State assessed that the experience and learning from election organisers, both in Indonesia and other countries, are an important part of strengthening the quality of democracy. “That is why I am very pleased today to meet a young member of the General Elections Commission. We also learn closely from the Election Commission of India,” he said. Prior to the dinner, President Prabowo accompanied PM Narendra Modi on a state visit to the House of Representatives (DPR) building in the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta. The two leaders were welcomed by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Speaker of the DPR Puan Maharani, Speaker of the MPR Ahmad Muzani, and Deputy Speakers Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal and Sari Yuliati. PM Modi delivered a speech before President Prabowo, Speaker Puan Maharani, and other invited guests. PM Narendra Modi’s state visit to Indonesia is part of efforts by both countries to further strengthen diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation across various sectors, including the economy, trade, investment, defence, and culture. PM Modi’s visit from 6 to 8 July 2026 is a reciprocal trip following President Prabowo Subianto’s earlier visit to India. After completing his agenda in Jakarta, PM Modi is scheduled to continue his journey to Yogyakarta. Together with President Prabowo, he will visit Prambanan Temple to review and inaugurate cultural heritage preservation cooperation and a temple restoration programme, which serves as a symbol of strengthened cultural cooperation between the two nations.