Prabowo: I Am a Micromanager
President Prabowo Subianto feels guilty for being a leader who is overly involved in details. At the Japan-Indonesia Business Forum in Tokyo, Japan, Prabowo described himself as a micromanager, an executive who excessively controls the work of his subordinates down to the smallest details.
“I am a hands-on manager,” said Prabowo in Tokyo on Monday, 30 March 2026.
According to Prabowo, his cabinet aides also refer to him as a micromanager. Prabowo acknowledged this. “Yes, I admit I am a micromanager. I will call my ministers at 2 a.m. or 5 a.m. and ask about the price of eggs today,” he stated.
He admitted regretting his leadership style. This is because, based on reports he received, several ministers and senior officials have experienced fatigue to the point of needing medical treatment.
“Some of my ministers have fainted in public. And sometimes I receive reports that some of my senior officials are hospitalised. Why? Heart problems,” said Prabowo.
He then added, “So I feel guilty, perhaps because their boss is too controlling of the details of the work.”
During his speech at the forum, Prabowo also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining the trust of foreign investors. He boasted of Indonesia’s reputation, which he said has never experienced a debt default throughout its history.
According to Prabowo, this reputation is Indonesia’s capital to attract investment amid global uncertainties. “Our reputation is very clear; this is not a reputation of 5, 10, or 15 years. For decades, Indonesia has been known never to default on payments, not once in the history of the Republic of Indonesia,” he stated.
In addition, Prabowo advised Japanese businesspeople that they could report directly to him if there were any problems while doing business in Indonesia. According to Prabowo, Japanese businesspeople could complain directly to him or through intermediaries, such as the embassy or business association representatives. “I am willing to receive complaints,” said the Chairman General of the Gerindra Party.
Prabowo stated that the government has also formed a task force tasked with eliminating investment barriers or the de-bottlenecking task force. This task force handles business issues, including administrative delays and practices that harm investors.
Prabowo said that any company, whether foreign or domestic, could report to the task force. “Those who feel they are facing delays, administrative obstacles, and so on, or experiencing exploitation or unfair treatment, can directly contact this obstacle-removal task force,” he explained.