When Prabowo Alludes to Groups Unwilling to Cooperate

President Prabowo Subianto alluded to the phenomenon of groups unwilling to cooperate with the government, yet actively voicing criticism. Prabowo stressed that the government continues to operate and focuses on serving the people despite facing criticism.

In his address, Prabowo said he had studied reports from his subordinates indicating that the current national situation remains relatively safe and stable. Although geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are heating up.

“I have studied the data and figures, and this is a good opportunity. After studying the numbers and receiving reports from my ministers, our situation is quite safe,” said Prabowo when delivering directions at the Government Working Meeting at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

Prabowo then alluded to the emergence of criticism from certain groups towards his government. Prabowo said he has no issue if certain groups do not want to cooperate with the government.

“Indeed, there is a phenomenon that we all feel, that there are groups in society, our brothers and sisters too, the extended family of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia, who have an attitude that can be said to be very unwilling to cooperate. We respect it, we have no problem,” he stated.

Analogy of Building a Bridge

Prabowo likened it to the communal effort of building a bridge in a village, where some parties are reluctant to help but keep criticising.

“I say, in a certain place, a village, seeing the need for a bridge, then the majority engage in gotong royong to build the bridge, but there is a group that does not want to build the bridge, but no problem, go ahead,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo expressed bewilderment towards groups unwilling to cooperate with the government. He sees these groups as busy launching criticisms. He asked the entire government apparatus to continue focusing on meeting the people’s demands.

“But I also don’t understand, there are people who want to build a bridge, he doesn’t want to build the bridge but he criticises, ‘You’re stupid, you. The wood is wrong, don’t put it there, the nails are wrong, the chain is wrong’. Everything is wrong. Well, those of us who want to build the bridge, what is our attitude? Are we going to get flustered? ‘You’re stupid, you’re making the bridge, stupid’. Yes, I’m stupid, but the people want this bridge, yes, I build the bridge. So this is a phenomenon,” he said.