Prabowo States Political Competition Is Not a Problem, but Must Unite Once Concluded

JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has stressed that he is not opposed to differences of opinion or political competition.

This was conveyed by Prabowo whilst discussing observers who tend to generate anxiety among the public.

“If the ship rocks, they rock too, right. It should be differences of opinion — differences of opinion are not a problem. Political competition, competing politically every five years, in local elections, legislative elections, presidential elections, there is no problem,” said Prabowo during a Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday (13 March 2026).

This is because the Indonesian nation must be unified and united to navigate treacherous international waters.

“However, once this country has concluded these electoral competitions, we ought to be united and cohesive,” he said.

Prabowo noted that there are several observers who dislike it when his government succeeds.

According to him, such an attitude is extremely narrow-minded and not patriotic.

“Perhaps because they feel they have lost power, or there are parties that are not doing well financially, particularly corrupt thieves, they naturally feel disadvantaged by our government, which we want to reform,” he said.

On this matter, the Head of State affirmed that he regularly receives intelligence briefings.

“When I was outside government before, now I am the president. So I receive intelligence reports every day. Thus, I understand — I already know who is funding what,” he added.

Subsequently, Prabowo stressed that he will address these issues.

“In due course we will reform all of that, but for now I am still attempting to do so in convincing ways. I believe in evidence-based approaches — with evidence, our people will understand,” he explained.