Prabowo: Let Us Not Be a Sluggish Government and 'Kumaha Engke'

The nation and the people demand swift results; let us not become a government that is laid-back, a government that is slack, a government that is ‘Kumaha Engke’. Prabowo said during a plenary session at the Indonesian House of Representatives, DPR RI, in Jakarta’s Senayan, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

Prabowo urged his ranks to adopt the engke kumaha philosophy, or ‘what next’. He said the government must begin to reform, particularly regarding business licensing. ‘We must be a government driven by engke kumaha, not by kumaha engke. If neighbouring countries can grant business licences and approve environmental impact assessments (amdal) in three weeks, why must we take months or even three years?’ he said.

Prabowo warned that there is no one who cannot be replaced, including civil servants (ASN). ‘There is no one who cannot be replaced; the people demand a government that is true and good. Just because someone is an ASN does not mean they cannot be dismissed. If not, tell him to stay at home and let him feel shame before his wife and children: ’Sir, why aren’t you going to the office?’ ‘No, I’m not trusted because I am heavily corrupt.’’, he added.

He called on all parties to help make Indonesia a great nation. He does not want Indonesia to remain a weak country.

‘This is our shared challenge. I ask for the support of the honourable members of parliament; this is for all of us, for our future, for our children and grandchildren. We must become a great nation; we do not want to stay a weak country indefinitely,’ he said.