Prabowo Says Intelligent and High-Ranking People Become Thieves: I Can't Fathom It

JAKARTA - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto expressed his astonishment towards people who are intelligent and hold high ranks. He stated that such individuals instead become even more adept at stealing the people’s money. Prabowo admitted he could not fathom their behaviour. “What saddens me is that the higher the rank, the more unclear their actions become. I’m amazed; the more intelligent they are, many become clever thieves. I can’t fathom it. I just can’t fathom it,” said Prabowo during Labour Day celebrations at Monas, Jakarta, on Friday (1/5/2026). He professed his respect for the struggles of the workers, as they labour with their bodies, sweat, and hands. Prabowo described workers as noble people. “A person who works halal. A person who strives for their children, for their wife. Every day. A person who works honestly,” he said.