Prabowo References Deep State in DPR Speech

President Prabowo Subianto raised the issue of a ‘deep state’ or a state within the state during a speech at the plenary meeting of the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. He said that the existence of bad bureaucrats can hinder the work of state institutions. ‘Our ancestors warned: a single bad apple spoils the whole barrel,’ he told at the MPR/DPR/DPD building.

Therefore, Prabowo said that disobedient bureaucrats must still be sanctioned even if their number is small. ‘It is the few that we must take action against. The ones called the “deep state”,’ he said.

Prabowo said that deep state actors often feel immune to the consequences of their actions, as they remain within the bureaucracy even as ministers and presidents change with each election.

The former defence minister gave examples of the alleged misdeeds of deep state actors, including attempts to manipulate ministers into endorsing bad rules.

’They often wait for a tired minister before asking for a signature on policies that personally benefit them. “He will ask for a signature at 5:30 p.m. You’re tired. You’re tired and he comes to ask for your signature. Right?” he said.

Prabowo also highlighted bureaucrats who enjoy drafting additional rules. For instance, when the president and ministers order simplification of business licensing procedures, they instead formulate technical regulations that complicate the business climate.

The retired general then urged ministers to be vigilant. ‘I remind all ministers to discipline your bureaucracy downwards! Be wary of those bureaucrats, because they have long experience,’ he said.

Prabowo attended this DPR plenary session to present the macroeconomic framework and the key fiscal policy (KEM-PPKF). The eighth President of Indonesia was the first president to deliver the KEM-PPKF directly to Parliament.

Previously, Prabowo also highlighted deep state actors as disruptors in his administration. He discussed this in interviews with several journalists and observers on 17 March 2026.