Prabowo Vows Tough Action Against Corruptors, Says He Will Not Tolerate 'Bastards'

President Prabowo Subianto issued a harsh statement against corruptors during the inauguration of five dams in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Friday (10/7). In his speech, Prabowo affirmed his preference for speaking honestly for the people’s benefit rather than merely maintaining polite speech. The firm statement began when Prabowo mentioned the presence of journalists covering his activities. He acknowledged that using harsh terms to describe corruptors could become a public spotlight. ‘There are journalists here, so I cannot speak, I must speak carefully. I must speak politely. I cannot call corruptors bastards? Later this will be blown up, ’Prabowo said bastards. The President must speak politely, gently.’ Do you want me to speak politely or do you want me to speak honestly?’ Prabowo said to the crowd. Prabowo revealed that his administration faces considerable resistance in realising various strategic programmes. He identified that these obstacles come from groups that have long profited from corrupt practices. According to the President, the government’s success in achieving various accomplishments in a short time is the result of the courage to confront the interests of these groups. ‘We are grateful for the achievements we have produced in a short time, despite much resistance from groups, especially those corruptors,’ he added. Despite using sharp diction, Prabowo assured that the spirit of eradicating corruption remains based on the applicable legal corridor. He guaranteed the government will take action against thieves of state money through a fair and impartial legal process. ‘I am sometimes grateful that I am retired. I feel like facing those corrupt thieves. But it must be according to legal procedures, and we will carry it out. We will uphold the law. And the law is for everyone. Not just for the strong, not just for the rich,’ he stressed. Prabowo reminded bureaucrats, the TNI, Polri, and the Prosecutor’s Office that all the attributes and ranks they wear come from the people, so the people’s interests must be the top priority. Concluding his statement, the Head of State asked all state apparatus to conduct deep introspection in carrying out their duties. He emphasised that officials are public servants financed by the people. ‘I ask for introspection, especially for our bureaucrats, all of you introspect. Military and police officials, introspect. You belong to the people. Your stars are from the people. Your shoes are from the people. Your cap is from the people. Never forget that. Prosecutor’s Office, you also wear stars, you also belong to the people,’ Prabowo concluded.