Prabowo: I Know Who Funds the Protests

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the demonstrations staged by students and civil society were funded by parties who dislike his administration. He also claimed to know who provided the money to mobilise the masses. “I know who pays for the demos, I know that. But no, someone pays for the demos. When asked, the protesting kids don’t understand. ‘What are we protesting about? We were paid 200 thousand,’” Prabowo said during a speech at the 17th National Farmers and Fishermen’s Week (Penas) summit in Gorontalo on Wednesday (24/6). He lamented the actions, as his administration is currently striving to deliver the best for the community. Prabowo said these efforts should be fully supported. The Head of State likened the situation to a football match, where his government is the team trying to score against the opponent. The public and intellectuals, as supporters, should be shouting encouragement for their team, he added. “This nation should be united. If there are shortcomings, friends, our team is playing, and the play is not very good, you still remain a supporter,” Prabowo said. “Once the match is over, then you can correct it. Don’t be shouting ‘idiot’ when someone is dribbling the ball and makes a mistake. Playing in the middle of the field and being jeered. By your own friends. Your own team. It seems like we are not proud of what our own nation produces,” he continued. The Head of State also adheres to the principle of speaking plainly to the public. He believes harsh language is sometimes necessary for the people to understand the situation. “Rather than speaking politely. Polite, but still a thief. Polite, but corrupt. Pretending to be rich, pretending to have lots of money. Even though the money is stolen from the people. I have been an Indonesian for a long time. I know all of that,” he concluded.