Prabowo's 'Those Who Can't Keep Up, Step Aside' Message to Ministers
President Prabowo Subianto has delivered a serious message to his Red and White Cabinet. He warned his ministers to leave the cabinet if they feel unable to work on public holidays.
Prabowo made the statement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 100 GWp solar power plant in Jembrana, Bali, which coincided with the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday commemoration on Tuesday (25/8/2026). Prabowo said his cabinet continues to work almost without recognising days off.
“Today is an important day, even though it is a holiday, even though it is the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, we are fighting for our people. Indeed, in the Red and White Cabinet there are almost no public holidays,” Prabowo said.
“And that is a risk, a risk of service. Those who cannot cope may step aside; many want to replace you,” he continued.
On the same occasion, Prabowo conveyed greetings for the commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. He stressed that his government commemorates the Prophet’s birthday by continuing to work hard.
“We continue to work because we also realise that as devout individuals, besides praying, we always uphold religion. We must also create and work hard to pursue real progress for our people,” he added.
Prabowo has delivered similar messages on several occasions. Ministers who are unable to work to their maximum capacity are invited to resign or step aside.
A similar message was previously delivered by Prabowo during his speech at the ‘Building Indonesia’s Future Generations Through Nutrition’ event on Wednesday (3/6/2026). On that occasion, Prabowo revealed his reasons for dismissing three former leaders of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) who were implicated in corruption cases involving irregularities in the management of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG). The three were Dadan Hindayana, Lodewyk Pusung, and Sony Sonjaya.
Prabowo stressed that the state will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone who tries to misuse the people’s mandate. Prabowo stated he is ready to strengthen the capacity of oversight institutions and law enforcement officials to ensure programmes run according to their objectives.
“I do not want the people’s money to be stolen. I do not want the people’s money to be stolen. And there are no exceptions,” Prabowo asserted.
Prabowo also asked all kitchen heads and Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) to strengthen oversight in the field and not engage in practices that could damage public trust in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Prabowo stressed that the success of the programme is a great mandate that must be safeguarded together.
“This is a noble task for us. And it must succeed, it will succeed, you are an important part of it. If you do not work well, if you are not serious, if you are not loyal and faithful, please step aside. The people’s interests are above all other interests,” Prabowo concluded.
Prabowo has also previously warned his ministers to leave the cabinet if they are unwilling to work together. He made the remarks at the Declaration of the National Solidarity Movement (GSN) at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Saturday (2/11/2024).
Prabowo initially said he had studied the successful civilisation of the Ottoman Empire. “It is said that no country succeeds without a clean government. There is no prosperity without justice,” Prabowo said.
“No country succeeds if its people are not happy; this is a lesson from hundreds of years of history. No country succeeds without a clean government,” he continued.
Therefore, Prabowo is committed to leading a clean Indonesian government. He also asked those who do not want to work together to advance the nation to be willing to step aside.
“Therefore, I am determined to lead a clean Indonesian government. Those who are with me, come on; those who do not want to be with me, step aside. Let us work for all the people of Indonesia, let us secure all the wealth of the Indonesian nation,” he said.