Prabowo: On Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, we keep working for the people
President Prabowo Subianto has said that amid the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, the government continues to work in pursuit of progress and the welfare of the people.
He made the remarks while attending the launch and groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 100 GWp solar power plant in Jembrana, Bali, on Tuesday.
“Because this is the Maulid Nabi, the birth of our Prophet, I wish all Muslims around the world, wherever you are, a blessed commemoration,” Prabowo said.
“On this great day we continue to work because we also realise that our duty as people of faith, besides praying, besides always upholding our Prophet and our religion, is also to create,” he added.
According to him, the Maulid Nabi commemoration should not only be understood through prayer and respect for the Prophet Muhammad, but must also be realised through work and hard effort for the nation’s progress.
“We must work hard to pursue real progress for our people,” he said.
Prabowo said the construction of the 100 GWp solar power plant is part of the government’s efforts to deliver tangible progress for the public.
The President considered the day to remain an important moment even though it coincided with a public holiday and the Maulid Nabi commemoration.
“Today is an important day. Even though it is a holiday, even though it is Maulid Nabi, we are fighting for our people,” Prabowo said.
On that occasion, the Head of State also touched on the work rhythm of the Red and White Cabinet, which he said almost never recognises public holidays.
“Indeed, in the Red and White Cabinet there are almost no public holidays, and that is a risk, a risk of service,” he said.
Prabowo then stressed that being part of the government is a form of service and therefore requires readiness to work hard.
“Those who cannot keep up may step aside. Many people want to replace you,” Prabowo said.
The launch of the 100 Gigawatt peak solar power plant at the Java-Bali Sea Crossing Operation Monument in Gilimanuk is part of the National Priority Work Programme for the Energy and Water Independence Cluster, which is directed at strengthening national energy independence and resilience as well as reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“The President has instructed that the construction of 100 GWp of solar power be accelerated and completed by 2029, with estimated electricity cost savings of Rp73.9 trillion per year. In 2026, the government is targeting the construction of 30 GWp of solar power as well as the retirement of 13 GW of diesel power plants,” said Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in his statement on Tuesday.
The move was taken considering that Indonesia has a solar energy potential of around 3,294 GWp, while installed capacity up to April 2026 has only reached around 1.5 GWp.
The programme will be built in stages, namely phase I of 17 GWp, phase II of 18 GWp, and phase III of 30 GWp.