Prabowo: We Need Criticism to Improve, But Democracy Must Not Be Hijacked

President Prabowo Subianto stated that the government always respects criticism and that it is essential for the administration of the state. However, he warned that criticism must not be allowed to damage democratic security.

This was conveyed during his address at the 79th Bhayangkara Day ceremony at the Brimob Training Centre in Cikeas, Bogor, on Wednesday (1/7/2026).

“We respect criticism, criticism is very important, we need criticism to improve ourselves,” Prabowo said during his briefing.

He stressed the importance of maintaining democracy and warned against allowing it to be hijacked by parties with significant financial resources or foreign interests. “But don’t let democracy be hijacked by those with a lot of money. Don’t let our democracy be damaged by foreign interests,” he stated.

The head of state acknowledged that differences of opinion are natural in a democratic country. However, he emphasised that these differences should not devolve into hatred. “Differences of opinion must not become a source of hatred. We are all children of the Indonesian nation. Our democracy must be characterised by Indonesian national values,” Prabowo said.

He further urged that the Indonesian National Police (Polri) must serve as guardians of a mature democracy, ensuring that every citizen can express their opinions peacefully while maintaining legal order. “Polri must safeguard democracy, be a mature guardian of democracy, guarantee that every citizen can express their opinions peacefully, and at the same time maintain that the law is upheld and order is preserved,” Prabowo concluded.