Prabowo: Major Changes Are Not Easy

President Prabowo Subianto stated that major changes are not easy. For him, the government’s transformation efforts often face various obstacles, including resistance from groups that have long benefited from practices harming the nation.

‘Major changes are never easy. We will face obstacles, challenges, and possibly resistance from groups that thrive on corruption, smuggling, and illegal economic activities,’ Prabowo said while serving as the parade inspector for Pancasila’s Birthday commemoration at the Gedung Pancasila Square, Jalan Taman Pejambon, Jakarta, on Monday, 1 June 2026.

The former Defence Minister under President Joko Widodo also warned of possible resistance from those who do not love the homeland. According to Prabowo, such groups will continue to try to weaken Indonesia. ‘But a great nation must be brave. We must have the courage to make the right decisions, even if they are difficult. We must stand up for our people,’ he said.

He stressed that the nation must not pursue short-term comfort at the expense of future generations. As Gerindra Party chairman, he said all policies should aim to secure a better future for the nation’s children and grandchildren.

For Prabowo, no nation is truly independent without prosperity. He asserted that Indonesia should not rely on other countries. ‘No other nation will feel sorry for us,’ he said. ‘If our people are hungry or in hardship, no other power will come to our aid.’

He also referenced the ideas of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, on national self-reliance to free the country from dependence on others. ‘As our founding father and proclaimer, Bung Karno advised us to have the courage to stand on our own feet. That is the essence of a sovereign nation,’ Prabowo said.