To Stay More Vigilant, Prabowo Routinely Monitors Podcasts and Content Attacking Him
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto admits to routinely watching content, including sinears or podcasts, even if they contain narratives attacking him.
“We must be willing and brave enough to accept the most unpleasant reports. And indeed, I like to monitor posts and podcasts that are hurtful; I even watch them,” Prabowo stated during a discussion with journalists and experts in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, as quoted from a replay on Kompas TV’s YouTube channel, Friday (20/3/2026).
Prabowo said that false reports inevitably stem from the ‘Asal Bapak Senang’ phenomenon, which he believes has become ingrained in Indonesian culture.
“So, the ABS culture—Asal Bapak Senang, Asal Ibu Senang—false reports have become cultural. I think it’s in all institutions,” Prabowo said.
As a result, Prabowo chooses to be cautious with every report he receives.
This vigilance leads him to routinely watch content or sinears circulating in society.
Not a few of these contents aim to attack Prabowo personally.
“Even if they attack in an unfair way, for example, and sometimes I conclude that their motivation is just revenge, that’s fine. But for me, it actually makes me more vigilant,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo gave an example of content that disparages the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
“MBG is attacked, I immediately check. I call the Head of BGN. Then I cross-check, I send my people to check,” Prabowo said.
In that discussion, Prabowo outlined the progress of monitoring and managing the MBG.
One issue touched upon was the closure of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) that did not meet operational standards.
“I think, if I’m not mistaken, out of tens of thousands of kitchens, we’ve already closed more than 1,000,” Prabowo said.
Before moving to the next question, Prabowo again mentioned the phenomenon of false reports or ‘Asal Bapak Senang’.
“So, reports that are all good are indeed a bad culture. And it’s an Indonesian culture that perhaps has good intentions, not wanting to trouble the leadership,” he said.