Prabowo Dismisses Criticism of Economic Programmes: 'Euweuh Pangaruhna'

President Prabowo Subianto has asserted that his administration’s economic strengthening programmes will continue despite facing a barrage of criticism. The Head of State made the remarks at the peak event commemorating National Cooperatives Day in Senayan, Jakarta, on Sunday, 12 July 2026. During his speech, Prabowo referred to a group he called ‘clever people’. According to him, this group frequently disparages government programmes aimed at bolstering the nation’s economy. ‘If we want to create a programme, a stream to strengthen our own nation, we are mocked, we are vilified, we are slandered, we are attacked. But it has no effect (euweuh pangaruhna). I say it has no effect. We keep moving forward,’ Prabowo declared. On that occasion, Prabowo stated that he does not believe in neoliberalism. He said he has warned from the outset that neoliberal capitalism—a global economic system that emphasises free markets—will not bring prosperity to the people. ‘I do not believe in neoliberal theories. They say, “think globally, there are no borders anymore,” right,’ Prabowo said. Prabowo argued that under the neoliberal concept, the people are blamed for their own poverty. Furthermore, he said this ideology allows the country’s wealth to be controlled by a select few. ‘The neoliberal doctrine says, if you are poor, it is your own fault. The neoliberal doctrine says, “let just 1 percent be rich. If they are rich, eventually their wealth will trickle down, the trickle-down effect.” I ask you, do you believe it will trickle down?’ Prabowo said. The Gerindra Party chairman claimed that this ideology is already being abandoned by leaders in Western countries. ‘America, Britain, Western Europe, they have left it behind. Only here… I do not know about these clever people, whether they are too clever or what, I do not understand,’ he said.