Said Iqbal Recounts KSPI's Support for Prabowo Since 2014, Praises Free Meal Programme

Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) President Said Iqbal stated that his organisation has consistently supported President Prabowo Subianto since 2014. Speaking at the KSPI National Working Meeting in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, he noted that KSPI had declared its backing before other parties had taken a stance.

“We understand and believe in President Prabowo. From 2014, even before the Gerindra Party announced his candidacy, we declared our support at GBK. We invited him and stood with him when others were hesitant to take a position,” Said Iqbal said. He reiterated that this support remains firm, telling members that KSPI will continue to stand with President Prabowo at next year’s congress.

However, he emphasised that KSPI still provides criticism and suggestions to the government, insisting that democratic space must remain open. He recounted conveying to party officials the importance of allowing differences within a framework of shared goals.

Iqbal also praised the free nutritious meal programme (MBG), noting that the idea had been discussed a decade ago during a meeting with Prabowo in Hambalang. He said the President has now realised the vision of feeding children from all backgrounds, including workers, farmers, fishermen, police, and soldiers. While acknowledging the programme’s implementation, he stressed that any managerial or governance shortcomings must be rectified.

The KSPI national working meeting was officially opened by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and attended by Minister of Manpower Yassierli, Presidential Special Envoy Raffi Ahmad, Deputy Chief of Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, and other labour representatives.