Prabowo: Major Transformation Not Without Obstacles
President Prabowo Subianto stated that the government’s major transformation will not proceed without obstacles. He acknowledged various challenges and resistance will arise, particularly from parties that have benefited from corruption, smuggling, and illegal economic activities.
The remarks were made by Prabowo while presiding over the Pancasila Birth Anniversary Ceremony in Jakarta on Monday, June 1. He stated that fundamental changes aimed at bringing Indonesia to prosperity and self-reliance require courage to make difficult decisions.
‘A major transformation is not easy. We will face obstacles. We will face challenges. We may also face resistance from groups that favour corruption, smuggling, and illegal economic activities,’ Prabowo said.
He also warned that resistance does not only come from those engaged in economically harmful practices, but also from those deemed indifferent to national interests and continually seeking to weaken Indonesia.
Nevertheless, Prabowo stressed that the Indonesian nation must not falter in the face of such pressure. He said a great nation must have the courage to make the right decisions for the people, even if the path is fraught with challenges.
‘We may face resistance from those who do not love the homeland and seek to undermine the Republic of Indonesia. But a great nation must be brave; we must have the courage to make the right decisions even when difficult. We must stand up for our people,’ he said.
Prabowo emphasised that the government must not be trapped in policies offering only short-term gains. Every decision must be geared towards safeguarding future generations, not merely meeting immediate needs.
In his speech, Prabowo also stressed that true independence cannot be separated from prosperity. A nation, he said, cannot be truly sovereign if it remains dependent on other countries to meet its basic needs.
He reminded that in difficult times, no other country will fully take responsibility for Indonesia’s fate. Therefore, the Indonesian nation must build its own strength and stand on its national capabilities.
‘No country is independent without prosperity. We do not want to be a nation dependent on others, for truly, no other nation will feel sorry for us or help us when we struggle, when our people are hungry and in hardship,’ he stressed.
Prabowo then cited the spirit inherited from Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, on the importance of national self-reliance. He said the principle of standing on one’s own feet is the core of a truly sovereign nation.
Before the ceremony attendees, Prabowo highlighted Pancasila’s role as Indonesia’s unifying force for 81 years. Amidst ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and customary diversity, Pancasila has proven capable of maintaining national unity.
He recalled that many doubted Indonesia could remain united due to its high diversity, yet it has stood as a cohesive nation to this day.
Prabowo believes Indonesia’s future will grow stronger if Pancasila’s values are consistently applied across all aspects of life, from politics, law, society, culture, to the economy.
‘I am confident that when we earnestly implement Pancasila in politics, law, society, culture, and especially the economy, Indonesia will not only become a developed and prosperous nation but also a respected one by others due to the well-being of its people,’ he said.
According to Prabowo, Indonesia’s grand vision is not merely to become an economically advanced nation, but also a strong one through unity, prosperous through justice, and respected for upholding human values. Indonesia is also expected to play a role in promoting global peace.
Therefore, the Head of State urged all Indonesians to preserve and uphold Pancasila’s values as the foundation of national development.
‘Let us safeguard Pancasila, let us practise Pancasila, let us realise an Indonesia that is just, prosperous, sovereign, and dignified,’ Prabowo concluded. (Z-10)