Prabowo Warns Cynics: If You Don't Want to Work, Just Sit Down and Watch

President Prabowo Subianto addressed those who frequently make cynical remarks about government policies, advising them to stay calm and watch the government work. He explained that competition is normal, but it should not be maintained throughout the year. “We compete, then we unite, working for all the people. That is the Indonesian nation. Don’t just be cynical,” he said during his speech at the peak of the 79th National Cooperative Day commemoration at Indonesia Arena, Senayan, Jakarta, on Sunday. Instead of constantly being cynical, Prabowo suggested that such individuals remain calm and observe the government’s progress, as cynicism has the potential to divide the people. “If you don’t agree, if you don’t want to work, just sit down and watch carefully,” Prabowo stated. He nevertheless affirmed that his administration is not anti-criticism. The government will always accept criticism as a correction to its policies. “We accept criticism. Criticism is good; it means correction and vigilance. We criticise, and we are willing to accept criticism,” he said. He also called on all elements of the nation to remain united despite differing political vehicles. He noted that there is a designated time for political competition, after which all parties must work together to build the nation. “Every few years we compete fairly, no problem. Whoever wins, go ahead. But if you lose and then want to burn things down, what kind of nation is that?” Prabowo said.