Prabowo Opens Up About Facing Strong Resistance from Corrupt Groups

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto has disclosed his government’s achievements in eradicating corruption, acknowledging that certain groups have put up resistance.

“My friends, we should be grateful for the achievements we have produced in such a short time, despite resistance, a great deal of resistance from certain groups, especially the corrupt ones,” said Prabowo during the simultaneous inauguration of five dams in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Friday (10/7/2026).

So exasperated was he that Prabowo even spoke candidly, calling the corrupt “bastards”.

“I have to speak carefully, politely; I am not allowed to say corrupt people are bastards, that is not allowed. It will be blown up. A president must speak politely, gently,” he said.

In his speech, Prabowo also expressed his frustration at confronting the corrupt. However, he made clear that legal procedures continue to be prioritised and that the law is enforced above all groups.

“Sometimes I am grateful that I have already retired. Sometimes when I face those thieves, those corrupt people, the feeling is… but it must follow legal procedures. Yes, we shall carry it out, we shall uphold the law, my friends. And the law is for everyone, not only for the powerful, not only for the rich,” he stated.

On that occasion, Prabowo also asked the country’s bureaucrats, including military, police and prosecutorial officials, to engage in self-reflection.

“I ask that we introspect, especially the bureaucrats here. I see many bureaucrats here. Bureaucrats, introspect; let us all introspect. Military and police officials, introspect. You belong to the people,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo explained that bureaucrats and law enforcement officials alike belong to the people, including their ranks and the equipment attached to them in the course of their duties.

“Your stars come from the people. Your shoes come from the people. Your cap comes from the people. Never forget that. The prosecution service is the same. Are you a prosecutor? You wear stars too. You too belong to the people,” he said.