Prabowo: Democracy remains the best system despite frequent challenges

President Prabowo Subianto stated that the democratic process is often fraught with various challenges and dynamics, yet the system remains the best choice for realising justice, hope, and inclusive governance. He made the remarks during a dinner speech with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/7). “Democracy is the best system compared to all other systems that human civilisation has tried,” Prabowo said, according to a statement received on Wednesday. Prabowo acknowledged that in practice, democracy carries various risks. He noted there are always challenges, pitfalls, and parties attempting to hijack the democratic process for certain interests. Therefore, Prabowo called on all elements of the nation to maintain trust in democracy so that the process runs according to proper principles. “We must not give up. We must continue to believe in democracy and strive to safeguard it,” he stressed. 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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a state visit to the House of Representatives (DPR) building in the Senayan parliamentary complex, Jakarta. Their arrival was welcomed by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Speaker of the House Puan Maharani, Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani, as well as Deputy Speakers Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal and Sari Yuliati. Prime Minister Modi delivered a speech before President Prabowo, Speaker Puan Maharani, and the invited guests. Prime Minister 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, ranging from the economy, trade, and investment to defence and culture. PM Modi conducted the state visit to Indonesia from 6 to 8 July 2026 as a reciprocal visit for President Prabowo Subianto’s earlier trip 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 strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries.