Prabowo Stresses Importance of Meritocracy at IPDN Junior Officer Inauguration

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the importance of meritocracy within the bureaucracy. Prabowo said that Indonesia must be led by those who possess quality.

He made the remarks while inaugurating 1,204 Pamong Praja Muda of the 33rd cohort of 2026 at the IPDN campus in Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, West Java, on Wednesday (29/7).

“The Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and Pancasila must become a state led by the very best, those who achieve, meritocracy. Those who achieve, please step forward, step forward,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo gave an example, noting that the best graduates of IPDN’s 33rd cohort all came from modest family backgrounds.

One of them was Aji Bayu Ramadhan, who received the Kartika Astha Bratha award. He is the son of Winoto Hadi, a construction labourer.

Prabowo described this as a proud achievement.

He said it was proof that the selection process carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs for IPDN could be considered a success.

“We want the selection to be right — the nation’s best sons and daughters, whoever’s children they are. This proves that the Republic has succeeded. If the child of a day labourer can graduate and become a civil administrator, who knows, one day they may become great leaders,” he said.