Prabowo Responds to The Economist's Criticism, Asserts Indonesia Chooses Its Own Path

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has responded to criticism from The Economist magazine concerning the direction of democracy and development in Indonesia. According to Prabowo, Indonesia has its own path and does not need to emulate Western countries. Previously, the British magazine highlighted several of the Prabowo administration’s policies. In its article, The Economist assessed that the government is overly expansive in state spending, is strengthening the centralisation of power, and risks eroding the reform achievements built since the 1997-1998 Asian crisis. The media outlet also highlighted the Free Nutritious Meals programme (MBG) and the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih village cooperative scheme, which it deemed could potentially add pressure to the state budget. Responding to the critique, Prabowo, through a letter published by The Economist on Wednesday (10/6/2026), affirmed he is not anti-criticism. According to him, criticism is an important part of democracy. “I welcome criticism. In a democracy, criticism is not only healthy but essential,” Prabowo wrote. However, he considered that some criticism does not fully see the issues faced by citizens on a daily basis. For this reason, the government chooses to focus on programmes deemed to provide direct benefits to the people. Prabowo cited the example of the MBG programme, which has often been the target of criticism. According to him, the programme is necessary because many Indonesian children still suffer from stunting and malnutrition. He also rejected the notion that Indonesian democracy is regressing. According to Prabowo, Indonesia remains on a democratic path. “Indonesia is a democracy, and it will remain a democracy,” he asserted. Prabowo also rejected the view that Indonesia must follow the political patterns of Western nations. According to him, democracy does not have to be synonymous with polarisation and prolonged political conflict. “Must Indonesia emulate the polarisation and political bitterness seen in parts of the West in order to be considered sufficiently democratic?” he said. According to Prabowo, the government wants to be judged by the results felt by the people. He stressed that criticism will be answered through work and achievement, not mere rhetoric. “As a government, we will answer criticism not with rhetoric, but with results,” Prabowo asserted.