Prabowo seeks NU support to plug state wealth leakages

President Prabowo Subianto has requested support from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) to address various leakages of state wealth, which he said have persisted for decades and prevented the people from fully enjoying the fruits of development. “I always feel comfortable within the NU extended family, comfortable and safe, because NU is indeed a religious organisation, but it is very nationalist, patriotic, and loves the homeland,” Prabowo said while closing the National Conference of Alim Ulama and the NU Grand Conference in Bangkalan, East Java, on Tuesday. On that occasion, the President stated that over 22 years Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of USD 436 billion. However, according to him, around USD 346 billion, or approximately IDR 5,800 trillion, actually flowed abroad and was enjoyed by only a handful of parties. “I convey these data and facts to NU so that NU leaders understand why teachers’ salaries have not risen and why the state budget always feels insufficient. It is not because we lack natural resources, but because the money is continuously taken and the majority is taken abroad,” he said. Therefore, he argued, Indonesia needs a system capable of saving and safeguarding state wealth. The President also expressed appreciation to the NU extended family for always being present to maintain the nation’s stability in various situations. “The NU extended family is a stabilising factor that makes this nation and state safe and comfortable. I am confident NU will always have a positive role because the kiai and ulama are figures closest to the people,” he said. In his speech, Prabowo affirmed that he was inaugurated with an oath to uphold the 1945 Constitution and the prevailing laws and regulations. Regarding the Free Nutritious Meal programme, the President stressed that the programme would continue because it is aimed at helping communities in need. “It would be strange if it were stopped, because the free nutritious meal programme is a programme for the poor. If there are things that need improvement, I agree,” he said. Meanwhile, PBNU General Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf expressed appreciation for the President’s presence at the closing of the National Conference of Alim Ulama and the NU Grand Conference. He affirmed NU’s commitment to continue safeguarding and preserving the nation and supporting national development efforts. “The President always thinks of the people, therefore we give him the benefit of the doubt to improve what is lacking,” he said.