Prabowo Responds to Criticism on Stubbornness: Iranian Fighters Too
President Prabowo Subianto described the Iranian nation as stubborn. Prabowo expressed this view after Iran faced bombardment from the United States and Israel for nearly six weeks since the end of February 2026.
Prabowo discussed this during a briefing at a working meeting with officials from ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. The Gerindra Party Chairman initially addressed various criticisms directed at him.
One criticism Prabowo heard was that he is stubborn. “Sometimes stubbornness is needed in a job,” Prabowo said from the podium.
Prabowo then exemplified the Iranian nation, which he regarded as stubborn. “Now people say the Iranian people are stubborn, the Iranian fighters are stubborn,” he stated.
According to Prabowo, the Iranian nation is stubborn despite frequent threats. “Repeatedly threatened, to be wiped out. (But) I don’t interfere in other countries’ domestic politics,” said the former defence minister.
Prabowo then conveyed that stubbornness is sometimes needed for a nation. He compared it to the stance of Indonesia’s founding fathers.
“In the past, our founding fathers were stubborn, better to die than be colonised again. Stubborn not wanting to be colonised again. Our leaders were stubborn. Red and white at all costs. No such thing,” said Prabowo.
The Indonesian government previously welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, reached amid escalating tensions in recent weeks. The Foreign Ministry assessed this agreement as an initial momentum to encourage peaceful resolution.
“Regarding this ceasefire agreement, the Indonesian government certainly welcomes it,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson I Yvonne Mewengkang during a press conference at the Foreign Ministry office in Central Jakarta, Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
According to Yvonne, this development shows efforts by the parties to keep diplomatic space open amid the heated situation. Indonesia views this momentum as a positive beginning.
Cited from Al Jazeera, US President Donald Trump agreed to delay the bombing plan against Iran for two weeks, just hours before the attack deadline on Tuesday night, 7 April 2026. The decision was announced via the Truth Social platform.
Trump stated the decision was taken after communication with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. He also set conditions for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir from Pakistan, who asked me to hold back the destructive force that would be sent tonight to Iran, and on the condition that the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to fully, immediately, and safely open the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attacks against Iran for two weeks,” Trump wrote.
Shortly after the announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the initial agreement. “If attacks on Iran are stopped, our strong armed forces will halt their defensive operations,” he said.
He added that during the two weeks, a safe route in the Strait of Hormuz would be opened through coordination with the Iranian armed forces, considering technical limitations. Further talks are scheduled in the coming weeks in Islamabad to discuss the possibility of extending the agreement.