Prabowo: We Endured a Long Colonisation, but We Used That Period to Learn

President Prabowo Subianto did not deny that Indonesia experienced a long period of colonisation. However, he asserted that the people could take benefit from that colonial era.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the revitalisation of Semarang Tawang Station in Central Java on Thursday, 30 July 2026.

“A great nation must not forget its history. And indeed we experienced a long period of colonisation, but we also used that time to learn,” said Prabowo.

Society, he said, could study technological and scientific progress in order to make Indonesia a great nation. He considered Semarang Tawang Station to be one of the historical legacies that must be preserved.

“Learning technology, learning science so that we can pursue progress and all that is needed to become a strong nation and an independent nation. That is why it is also important for us to preserve everything we possess, even if it dates from ancient times,” said Prabowo.

“We must preserve the temples, we must preserve all buildings from thousands of years ago, hundreds of years ago. They are part of our history, part of our identity,” he continued.

According to history, he said, Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, used Semarang Tawang Station to carry out his duties to other regions. For that reason, the revitalisation is an important matter in safeguarding Indonesia’s identity and historical journey.

“History records that the first President of the Republic of Indonesia used this station to depart for other regions to carry out the duties of the state in the early days of independence. Therefore, protecting and preserving Tawang Station means not only protecting and preserving a single building, but also safeguarding our identity and protecting the memory and journey of our history,” said Prabowo.