President Prabowo Applauds IPDN Recruitment as Proof of Meritocracy
President Prabowo Subianto has expressed appreciation for the recruitment process of praja (cadets) at the Institute of Internal Governance (IPDN), which he said reflects a merit-based selection system and opens equal opportunities for all children of the nation.
Prabowo delivered the commendation in his address during the Swearing-in Ceremony of IPDN’s 33rd Cohort of Young Civil Servant Administrators in 2026, held at the Parade Ground of the IPDN Jatinangor Campus in Sumedang Regency, West Java, on Wednesday (29/7).
According to Prabowo, a report he received from the Minister of Home Affairs showed that the ten best IPDN graduates this year all come from families of modest economic means.
“Before I took the podium, I received a report from the Minister of Home Affairs. ‘Mr President, the ten best graduates of this cohort all come from very humble families.’ I was told that some are children of labourers, some of farmers, and some, if from the military, children of non-commissioned officers,” he said.
He regarded the achievement as proof that every citizen has an equal chance to excel and serve the state, unhampered by family background or economic circumstances.
Prabowo asserted that leadership in Indonesia must be filled by the best individuals, born of a meritocratic system. In his view, anyone has the right to become a leader as long as they possess ability, dedication, and achievement.
He said this was reflected in the success of Aji Bayu Ramadhan, a praja from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), who received the Kartika Astha Brata award as the best graduate of IPDN’s 33rd Cohort. Aji is known to be the son of a construction worker and a housewife.
“The Republic of Indonesia and Pancasila must be a state led by the very best people. Those who achieve, meritocracy. Those who excel, please step forward. This makes my heart proud,” he said.
On the occasion, Prabowo also advised the newly sworn-in Young Civil Servant Administrators to hold firmly to the values bequeathed by the nation’s founders. He asked them to carry out their duties sincerely, avoid arrogance, and always be present and take the side of the public interest.
“I also have a message: make your parents always proud of you. Make your alma mater proud. Most importantly, make the Indonesian people proud of their civil servants. Congratulations on your duty, congratulations on serving the nation and state, and congratulations on the struggle,” he concluded.