Prabowo Reveals Reason for Entering Politics: Saw No Effort by Elite for the People
President Prabowo Subianto has revealed the reasons behind his political journey, which ultimately led to his victory in the presidential election. Prabowo admitted he was moved to act because, in his view, the political elite have made no significant efforts to improve the lives of the common people.
He shared these sentiments during his speech at the XVII National Peak (PENAS) of Farmers and Fishermen in Gorontalo on Wednesday (24/06/2026). Addressing the farmers and fishermen in attendance, he emphasised that Indonesia’s independence was intended solely for the welfare of its citizens.
“We did not achieve independence merely for the sake of being independent. What is the purpose of having the DPR (House of Representatives)? What is the purpose of having the DPD (Regional Representative Council)? What is the purpose of singing our national anthem? If our people are not prosperous, my brothers and sisters,” said Prabowo.
The Chairman of the Gerindra Party expressed his determination to improve the lives of the people through political engagement. He also expressed his appreciation to the HKTI and KTNA, which were part of the support base that helped him win the 202_4 presidential election.
“That is why I am determined; I fight. I remain in politics. If I lose, I step forward again. If I lose, I step forward again. Because I see that there has been no major effort from the Indonesian elite to strengthen the Indonesian people from the bottom up. Therefore, I stepped forward and, alhamdulillah, my brothers and sisters. I am certain that HKTI and KTNA were the keys to my victory yesterday,” said Prabowo.
The event was attended by several members of the Red and White Cabinet, including Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Cabinet Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Transmigration Iftitah Sulaiman, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono.