Prabowo Quips: Maybe We Need a Little Authoritarianism Too
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – President Prabowo Subianto responded to accusations calling him an authoritarian leader. He argued that Indonesia still falls within the category of a democratic country. While joking, Prabowo suggested that an authoritarian style of leadership in the context of law enforcement might actually be needed.
He even implied that the people might prefer an authoritarian leadership style when it comes to upholding the law in Indonesia.
“We’re a democratic country, right? Right? Democratic, sort of democratic. Sort of — our democracy is decent enough. If there were no democracy, I wouldn’t have become president, ladies and gentlemen. Right? Isn’t that true? So don’t — there are groups that always complain about Indonesia this and that, ‘Prabowo is authoritarian’ and so on, right? But if you ask the people, maybe we do need a little bit of authoritarianism — maybe — to fight those corruptors,” Prabowo said in his speech at the Indonesia Economic Outlook 2026 event in Jakarta on Friday (2/13).
He said Indonesia is still democratic, describing it as a moderate nation. “But we are democratic, so we are still moderate. Many other countries — who knows — today they exist, tomorrow they don’t. Right? Maybe that approach is effective, maybe. Oh dear, there are a lot of journalists here. Oh dear, there are many ambassadors too — Western countries, oh my. I am completely democratic, completely,” he said.
Prabowo affirmed that the law must always be upheld in Indonesia. As both head of government and head of state, he said he will ensure law enforcement in Indonesia. Prabowo stressed that the law must be applied impartially and must not be used as a political tool.
“And I do not want that, and I have proven it. I have proven that I dare to grant abolition, I dare to grant amnesty if I feel something is wrong. So our courts must deliver fair decisions, beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said.
At the same time, Prabowo urged all bureaucrats to reform and adapt to the times. He said he will not hesitate to carry out a generational overhaul for those deemed to be underperforming.
“I have prepared educational institutions. This year we will begin building 10 new universities, including one specialized institution for government administration. We will select the best sons and daughters of Indonesia, develop them, and prepare them to take over leadership of all institutions properly,” he said.
He also ordered all ministry and agency heads to take firm action against bureaucrats deemed to be performing poorly. “There is nobody that cannot be replaced,” he said.