Prabowo's Relaxed Response to Being Called Stupid and Stubborn: I Accept That

President Prabowo Subianto responded to the perception of him being stupid. He stated that various negative assessments from different parties do not always need to be countered defensively, but can instead serve as material for introspection.

This was expressed by Prabowo during a briefing at the Government Working Meeting (Raker) at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.

“We accept those corrections. If we are slandered, if we are criticised, regard it as a warning so that we remain vigilant. Yes. ‘Prabowo is stupid!’ Oh, that means I must be vigilant,” said Prabowo.

He also addressed criticisms calling him stubborn. Prabowo did not deny the assessment. In fact, he joked by attempting to touch his head.

“If I’m called stubborn, then I must accept that, right? Oh, let me try to touch my head to see if it’s hard,” he added.

However, he emphasised that such stubbornness is needed by leaders, especially in fighting for the nation’s interests.

Prabowo alluded to how that character was also evident in the history of Indonesia’s struggle. The founding fathers, he said, possessed strong resolve in defending independence.

“In the past, our founding fathers were stubborn. ‘Better to die than be colonised again’. That attitude shows determination,” he stated.