Prabowo in NTB: 'Do You Want Me to Speak Politely or Honestly?'

President Prabowo Subianto discussed his oratory style during a speech at the inauguration of five dams in West Nusa Tenggara on Friday, 10 July 2026. According to Prabowo, he is often highlighted for not always using polite language when speaking.

Prabowo conveyed his views while discussing corruption in Indonesia. The Gerindra Party chairman initially stated that the government is grateful to still be able to achieve results despite considerable resistance from corruptors.

He then said he must be careful when speaking, as his frustration with corruptors could lead him to use harsh words. “There are journalists here, so I have to speak carefully. I have to speak politely,” Prabowo said, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat.

If he uses harsh words, Prabowo noted, journalists will highlight that attitude. “I cannot call corruptors scoundrels. Later, it will be blown up: ‘Prabowo said scoundrel. The President must speak politely,’” he remarked.

Prabowo then asked the audience, “Do you want me to speak politely or do you want me to speak honestly?”

He continued his speech by stating that he would confront the thieving corruptors. “But it must be according to legal procedures. We will uphold the law, and the law is for everyone, not just for the powerful,” Prabowo said.

During the event in West Lombok today, Prabowo inaugurated the Meninting Dam in West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. He also simultaneously inaugurated five dams in three other provinces.

The five dams are the Meninting Dam in NTB, the Keureuto and Rukoh Dams in Aceh, the Jlantah Dam in Central Java, and the Sidan Dam in Bali. These projects were built between 2015 and 2025. The total construction cost for the five dams amounted to Rp 9.79 trillion.

Prabowo stated that dam construction requires time, money, and resources. The process can be completed only after several presidents have come and gone. “I am grateful that I am the one inaugurating these dams,” he said.