Said Iqbal Recalls Prabowo's Vision for Free University Education

Said Iqbal, President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), recalled discussions between KSPI members and Prabowo Subianto from 10 to 15 years ago at the president’s residence in Hambalang, West Java. He stated that Prabowo had expressed a desire to make D3 and S1 programmes at public universities free of charge. “If you recall the discussions 10-15 years ago, Prabowo wanted D3 and S1 at public campuses to be free,” he said during a KSPI National Working Meeting in Jakarta, monitored via the KSPI YouTube channel on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.

Iqbal, who serves as the President’s Special Adviser on Labour and Worker Welfare, noted that KSPI has supported Prabowo since the 2014 presidential election. He also recalled Prabowo’s intention to use the state budget to feed the children of workers and farmers rather than allowing funds to be lost to corruption. While acknowledging the current free nutritious meal programme, Iqbal said the union could not reject the policy of feeding children, though they seek budget corrections.

He further mentioned Prabowo’s gradual efforts to increase wages for honorary workers. Acknowledging both support and opposition to the government’s policies, Iqbal stressed that demonstrations must still be respected. He urged KSPI members to continue backing the president and confirmed the union’s congress next year would reaffirm its stance alongside Prabowo.

Iqbal was officially inaugurated as Special Adviser to the President on Labour and Worker Welfare at the State Palace. He stated he would immediately report and convey views on worker welfare to the president, including on the 8 percent economic growth target, which he believes must be accompanied by equitable wealth redistribution, equal opportunity, and guarantees of job security, income certainty, and social protection.