Prabowo Says There Are Still Bureaucratic Elements Who Like to Steal State Funds

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has acknowledged the presence of rogue elements within the bureaucracy who misuse their authority to aid in the theft of state funds.

This was stated by Prabowo while attending the handover ceremony for the results of state finance and asset recovery at the Attorney General’s Office, Jakarta, on Friday, 10 April 2026.

Prabowo emphasised that this issue must be openly acknowledged as part of efforts to improve government governance.

“There are among us, we must admit, among our bureaucracy, among our ministries and agencies, among our institutions, there are individuals who are given tasks and honour by the state but use their authority and power instead to assist those who steal from state funds; we understand that,” he said.

The Head of State said he has already issued reminders to all his subordinates not to engage in fraudulent practices that could harm the state.

He has adopted a persuasive and humane approach to carrying out state duties properly.

“Since I received the mandate from the people, I have continuously urged and invited, persuasively, with a humane approach as fellow Indonesians, as fellow sons of the archipelago, I invite: let us close down bad practices, close them—we deceive the people, deceive superiors, back bad practices like smuggling, illegal mining, illegal plantations; I urge, all of us who have been entrusted by the people, let us carry out the tasks given by the people to us properly,” he continued.

Prabowo also touched on the welfare of state apparatus but stressed that it cannot be used as an excuse for deviations.

“We understand, I know your salaries may not be enough. But if we look at our people who are worse off than us, we must understand that working for the government is devotion; working for the government is devotion, working in the government is devotion,” said Prabowo.

“How many times must I emphasise that working for the government is sacrifice and devotion. The nation’s and people’s wealth has been robbed for too long,” he concluded.