Prabowo Praises Meritocracy as Workers' and Farmers' Children Become Top IPDN Graduates
President Prabowo Subianto has expressed appreciation for the diversity and equal access to education at the Institute of Internal Governance (IPDN). According to him, this equality of opportunity is reflected in the family backgrounds of the young civil administrators who made up the top ten graduates.
They come from families with varied parental professions and economic circumstances. He made these remarks in his address while presiding over the Inauguration Ceremony of the XXXIII Cohort of Young Civil Administrators of IPDN, Class of 2026, held at the IPDN Parade Ground, Jatinangor Campus, Sumedang Regency, West Java, on Wednesday (29/7/2026).
“Before going up to the podium, I received a report from the Minister of Home Affairs (M Tito Karnavian): ‘Mr President, the ten best graduates of this cohort all come from very modest families.’ I was just told that some are children of labourers, children of farmers, and there is even a child of a TNI non-commissioned officer,” Prabowo said from the podium.
According to the President, this diversity of backgrounds is proof that IPDN’s student selection process is conducted fairly and provides equal opportunity to all children of the nation. “This proves that the IPDN selection carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs has been a success,” Prabowo said in his address.
He expressed hope that this commitment will be maintained in order to recruit and shape the finest young generation from all regions and levels of society. Prabowo stated that future leaders can emerge from any background, provided they are given equal opportunity.
“We want the selection to be right. The best sons and daughters of the nation, anyone’s children — this proves that the Republic of Indonesia has succeeded. If the child of a day labourer can graduate as a civil administrator, who knows, one day they may become great leaders,” Prabowo said.
Furthermore, Prabowo affirmed that the application of a meritocratic system is one manifestation of the success of Pancasila values in national and state life. He also conveyed his pride in the achievements of young people who have earned success through their abilities and hard work.
“This proves that the Republic of Indonesia has succeeded, that Pancasila is right. The Republic and Pancasila must ensure that the state is led by the very best, by high achievers. Meritocracy. Those who achieve, please step forward. Advance. Advance. This fills my heart with pride,” Prabowo said.
He also stressed that becoming a civil administrator is not merely about obtaining rank or position. According to Prabowo, the honour of a state official is measured by the tangible benefits that the public experiences through their service.
“Our people do not need convoluted bureaucracy. The people need — indeed, the people demand — officials who work honestly, with discipline and integrity, who do not engage in corruption, who are brave enough to make decisions, and who are always present when the people need them,” Prabowo said.