Prabowo Says TNI-Polri Often Shield Corruption Practices in Indonesia

Jakarta — President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has issued a stern warning against misconduct by officials and allegations of involvement by state security forces in shielding illegal practices that cause losses to the state. He delivered the remarks in his address on the Macro Economic Framework and the Fiscal Policy Stance for the 2027 State Budget (KEM-PPKF RAPBN 2027) in the plenary chamber of the House of Representatives, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

The head of state underscored that the government would employ sophisticated technology to pursue various forms of violations. He emphasised that the era of officials tampering with hidden assets would soon end. The government now has technological capabilities to trace different forms of deviation down to the most hidden points. “I will use the most advanced technology. Defence technology can locate underground weapons caches,” Prabowo said.

He cited modern technology capabilities as now capable of detecting underground bunkers suspected of concealing illegal wealth. “Radar can now detect mines, it can search; we will use it to locate bunkers around here,” he said.

Not stopping there, Prabowo also referred to satellite-based monitoring that he said could map assets and activities in detail, including large plantation areas that had long been suspected of eluding state surveillance. “Don’t mess with technology. Those who own large plantations think no official will check,” he explained.

According to him, technological advances have changed the government’s monitoring pattern. The state can now monitor conditions in the field without physical checks. “Brothers and sisters, there is now a satellite. We don’t need to check physically; we can photograph. Every tree can be photographed. Tree by tree we can photo. So no matter how you try to cheat, we will expose your deception, brothers and sisters,” he added.

Prabowo then referred to certain parties alleged to be protectors of these acts of misappropriation. The statement drew immediate attention in the chamber. “But usually those protectors wear uniforms; their protection is typically either green or brown, right?” he said. The remarks were interpreted as referring to uniformed personnel believed to be shielding abuses. However, Prabowo emphasised that he would not hesitate to remind state personnel to uphold the dignity of the institution.