President Prabowo Urges Citizens to Film Misbehaving Uniformed Officials

President Prabowo Subianto highlighted alleged involvement of uniformed officials who act as protectors or ‘beking’ in violations in the natural resources (SDA) and plantations sectors. The remarks were delivered by the President at the plenary session of the DPR in Jakarta on Wednesday, 20 May.

Prabowo said that illegal practices in these sectors are often hard to eradicate due to protection afforded by certain individuals. ‘Usually they have protectors. The protectors are usually in uniform, whether green or brown,’ he told the session.

As a precautionary measure, the President urged the public to actively monitor the behaviour of officials in the field. He asked citizens to use mobile phones to document any violations as evidence for reporting.

‘Everyone has gadgets. If there is a misconduct by an official, I want the people to video it, immediately video it, don’t confront them, just video it, and report directly to me,’ he said.

In addition to highlighting the role of officials, Prabowo also warned businesspeople in the SDA sector not to manipulate data or conceal assets. He stated that the government has strengthened a high-technology-based monitoring system, including the use of satellites.

‘Don’t take technology lightly; those who own large plantations may think there is no one to check. Now there are satellites; you don’t need to inspect in person, we can photograph. Every tree can be photographed,’ the President explained.

Prabowo argued that with the integration of satellite technology and participatory monitoring by the public, various forms of fraud in the natural resources sector will be easier for the government to detect. ‘So however you try to deceive, we will uncover your fraud, my brothers and sisters,’ he concluded. (Z-10)