Prabowo: Government Does Not Reject Criticism, But Draws Line at Slander

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that the government is not anti-criticism and views criticism as an important part of democratic life.

However, he reminded that criticism should not turn into slander or abuse that would instead damage the spirit of nation-building.

“We are a democratic country. We are not anti-criticism. Criticism saves. But there is a difference between criticism and abuse. Criticism and slander are different,” he said during a speech at the 28th anniversary of PKB at JCC, Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (23/7).

According to him, the government understands that criticism serves to correct the course of governance.

Therefore, criticism delivered objectively and constructively is necessary in a democratic system.

The President asserted that the government will not be shaken by various criticisms and attacks as long as it keeps working on the right path and prioritises the interests of the people.

“But there is no problem. No problem at all. If we are right, if we are on the right path, we will remain strong,” he said.

“We understand there is a major campaign to shake us. Indonesia is said to be about to collapse,” he said.

On that occasion, Prabowo invited all elements of the nation to maintain optimism and support various national development efforts.

The Head of State likened the government to a team playing on the field that needs the support of the Indonesian people in order to achieve the best results.

“If we love a football team, for example, when they are playing on the pitch, we as supporters cheer them on: ‘Come on, come on, go forward.’ But don’t bring down their morale while they’re playing out there. They might lose,” he said.

Prabowo emphasised that differences of opinion in democracy are normal.

However, he hopes all parties continue to put national interests first by maintaining the spirit of unity, without spreading false information or slander that could divide society.

He invited all Indonesians to continue working together in solidarity and unity in facing various development challenges to realise a more advanced Indonesia.

“Let us fight together for the nation and the people of Indonesia,” he said.