Prabowo: For a Nation, Stubbornness is Sometimes Needed

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has stated that a stubborn attitude is sometimes necessary in facing challenges as a nation. According to him, this attitude does not mean without consideration, but rather firmness in upholding principles and national sovereignty. “But for a nation, sometimes stubbornness is needed,” Prabowo said during his briefing at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4/2026). However, he emphasised that he does not wish to interfere in the domestic politics of other countries. Prabowo also reminded that Indonesia’s founding fathers had a similar attitude in fighting for independence. According to him, this firmness is reflected in the national leaders who uphold the value of “Merah Putih until death”. “In the past, our founding fathers were stubborn. ‘Better to die than be colonised again’. Stubborn. ‘We don’t want to be colonised again’, stubborn,” he explained. He reminded of the importance of upholding state principles, such as law and the constitution. “There is no state without law, no state without the Basic Law, without constitution, without the Constitution, there is no state. What exists is jungle strength, jungle law, law of the gun, and our people do not want that,” added the Head of State. Prabowo emphasised that all elements of the nation must work hard to enforce the law based on mutual agreement, namely the Youth Pledge.