Prabowo: I Have Seen Since the 90s, Indonesia Was Heading in the Wrong Direction!

President Prabowo Subianto has responded to analysts’ mockery regarding his repeated presidential candidacies, revealing the reason behind his determination. He made the remarks at the XVIII HIPMI National Conference in Bandar Lampung on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. Prabowo stated that his struggle to become president was not easy, having suffered four defeats during presidential elections. “Four times I lost. Yes, I have been striving for the presidency since the 2004 Golkar convention. 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, 2024. Five times, four losses,” Prabowo said. Despite now having succeeded in becoming the country’s number one person, Prabowo acknowledged that there are still voices questioning his ambition in repeatedly contesting presidential elections. “People are confused; after losing four times, he still wanted to run again. Folks, there are analysts and podcasts saying Prabowo was desperate to become president,” he stated. Prabowo then explained his reason for repeatedly participating in presidential elections, one of which is his view that Indonesia has long been heading in the wrong direction. “My friends, why did I want to become president? I wanted to become president because I have seen since the 90s that Indonesia was heading in the wrong direction. I have seen it,” he said. “I do not want to become president just for the sake of being president. Do you think it is easy?” Prabowo concluded.