Prabowo's Message to Police: Do Not Let Democracy Be Hijacked
President Prabowo Subianto has stated that criticism is an essential part of democratic life. However, he cautioned that Indonesia’s democracy must not be hijacked by the interests of capital owners or foreign influences that could fracture national unity. The message was delivered during his address at the 80th Bhayangkara Day commemoration ceremony in Bogor Regency on Wednesday (1/7).
According to the President, the government respects all criticism as it serves as a means of correction and self-improvement. Nevertheless, he emphasized that freedom within a democracy must go hand in hand with maintaining security and public order.
“We continue to build our democratic life. We respect criticism; criticism is important. We need criticism to remind us, we need criticism to improve ourselves. But we must also safeguard the security of our democracy,” Prabowo said.
He warned that the democratic process should not be controlled by groups with financial power or influenced by foreign interests. He insisted that Indonesian democracy must be rooted in national values and prioritize the national interest.
“Do not let democracy be hijacked by those with a lot of money. Do not let our democracy be damaged by foreign interests. Differences of opinion must not turn into hatred. We are all children of the Indonesian nation,” he stated.
Prabowo also stressed that differing viewpoints are normal in a democracy. However, these differences must not become a source of division that disrupts national unity. According to the President, Indonesian democracy must reflect the nation’s values by promoting unity and harmony amidst diversity.
On the occasion, Prabowo gave a special message to the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to act as guardians of a mature democracy. He stated that the police must be able to guarantee every citizen’s right to express opinions peacefully while ensuring that the law is upheld and public order is maintained. In this way, Prabowo said, democracy can develop healthily without sacrificing stability, unity, or the rule of law.