Prabowo: We Must Be Careful, Democracy Can Be Hijacked and Bought
President Prabowo Subianto has warned that democracy can be hijacked by parties possessing significant economic power. He stated that money can be used to influence political figures and even law enforcement officials.
Prabowo made these remarks during his speech at the 28th anniversary of the PAN party at the JCC, Jakarta, on Friday (18/09/2026). Prabowo noted that he has supported democracy and reform since his time as a TNI soldier.
“The figures of PAN led the reform. Our aspirations are the same. We want democracy. Make no mistake, during my time in the military, I supported democracy; I supported reform,” said Prabowo.
However, Prabowo warned that democracy faces threats, one of which is hijacking by groups with immense economic strength.
“But we must be careful that democracy can be hijacked. Democracy can be bought by those who possess great economic power, those who have vast amounts of money, and especially those whose wealth is obtained through unlawful means—meaning they want to hijack our democracy,” he revealed.
“They want to bribe our political figures. They want to bribe judges, prosecutors, generals, ministers, and even the president,” he added.
Prabowo also touched upon the use of social media to influence the public. He stated that certain parties utilise buzzers and bots to spread slander.
“With money, they manipulate algorithms, using buzzers and robots; our children, our elders, and our people are being corrupted. They attempt to influence them through slander,” he said.
Prabowo described this condition as a danger experienced by many nations. According to him, modern conflict does not always involve the deployment of troops.
“Alhamdulillah, our people are not foolish. But this is a danger faced by many countries. This is considered a form of warfare. Modern warfare does not necessarily require sending large numbers of troops. First, it begins with the destruction caused by improper social media usage, my brothers,” he stated.
On that occasion, Prabowo also expressed his appreciation to political figures who remained supportive of him even when he was in a losing position. He remarked that such loyalty is difficult to find.
“I say this amidst this spirit because I feel I am among loyal and brave comrades. Those who stood by me after multiple defeats—that is difficult for us to find, as the price is too high,” he said.
“So, my brothers, why am I so spirited now? I worry that if I am not this spirited, tears will fall. Earlier, during the dark times, I felt my eyes welling up. Why? Because I have just realised that a friend during times of defeat is a friend who is hard to find,” he continued.
Prabowo then spoke regarding the achievements of his administration alongside the coalition as they approach two years in office. He stated that the government has taken several major steps that he believes are being felt by the community.
“I feel happy with the coalition I lead. Because it turns out that our coalition, which is currently holding governmental responsibility—with only a few weeks left until the two-year mark—has proven to the people of Indonesia that we have taken significant steps, steps that are felt by all the people,” he concluded.