Prabowo Responds to Analysts with Intelligence Data, Accuses Critics of Ulterior Motives

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – President Prabowo Subianto has responded to pessimistic narratives from analysts and observers who believe the Indonesian economy will suffer from rising global oil prices resulting from the Middle East crisis and pressure on the rupiah against the US dollar. This emerged whilst he was responding to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa’s report during a Full Cabinet Meeting at the Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

“There are various types of observers, in my view. Some observers simply dislike the government’s success due to various motivations, but in my opinion, that attitude is narrow and not patriotic – perhaps because they feel defeated or lack power. Or there are those who have lost income, especially corrupt thieves; naturally they feel disadvantaged by our government,” Prabowo said.

He emphasised that he understands who is behind the narratives that Indonesia’s condition will be dire due to the Middle East crisis, particularly rising oil prices.

“We want to restore order – I also have intelligence data. In the past, I was outside government, but now as president I receive intelligence reports daily. I understand who is financing these narratives,” he stated.

Prabowo said that analysts spreading negative narratives and causing public anxiety would eventually face consequences.

“In time we will address all of this, but for now I am still trying to convince people with methods I believe in. I trust evidence-based approaches – with proof, our people will understand. Some of these analysts, in my view, are motivated by a desire to create public anxiety,” he added.