Prabowo: Indonesian Leaders Are Not Naive or Foolish

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that Indonesian leaders are not naive, foolish, or cowardly. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Masela Block Abadi Gas Project in the Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku, on Thursday, Prabowo emphasised the nation’s resolve. He noted that the world today is full of uncertainty and conflict, yet Indonesia remains a peaceful country. ‘We are grateful for the legacy of our nation’s founders, that Indonesia truly has no enemies. Alhamdulillah, we have now established good relations with all our neighbours and we are determined that this is our stance,’ he said. Prabowo stated that Indonesia is on friendly terms with all neighbouring countries and that the principle of its foreign policy is to respect all nations. ‘In these conditions, we are open to all partners, all countries that want to enter Indonesia, want to partner with Indonesia, and want to work together for mutual benefit. This is our attitude,’ he added. The President also addressed those who underestimate the nation, suggesting that Indonesia’s friendliness and kindness are sometimes misinterpreted as weakness. ‘We are called a relaxed nation, a lazy nation, that the indigenous people’s hobby is sleeping. In fact, our people struggle hard every day to earn a decent living. Those who sail the seas to find food and fish are risking their lives. Everywhere, our people work hard. But if the climate is so hot, the wisdom of our ancestors teaches us to avoid the heat during the scorching sun. Some nations do not see that our people wake up very early. Some go to the rice fields, some to the farms, some to fetch water and wood, some to hunt, some go to sea in the dark, and return in the dark as well,’ he remarked.