Prabowo: Do Not Let Democracy Be Hijacked and Damaged by Foreign Interests

President Prabowo Subianto addressed the state of democracy during the 80th Bhayangkara Day celebrations. He stated that criticism is necessary for reminders and self-improvement. “Ladies and gentlemen, we continue to build our democratic life. We respect criticism. Criticism is important. We need criticism to remind us. We need criticism to improve ourselves,” Prabowo said in his speech at the Brimob Training Centre in Cikeas, West Java, on Wednesday (1/7/2026). Prabowo reminded that democracy must be safeguarded. He cautioned against allowing democracy to be damaged by foreign interests. “But we must also guard the security of democracy. Do not let democracy be hijacked by those with a lot of money. Do not let our democracy be damaged by foreign interests,” he said. According to him, differences of opinion must not turn into hatred and a source of division. The implementation of democracy must align with the nation’s values by prioritising unity and harmony. “We must always prioritise unity and harmony amongst ourselves. The National Police must be a mature guardian of democracy, ensuring every citizen can express their opinion peacefully, while at the same time ensuring that the law is upheld and order is maintained,” he stated.