TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto on Friday voiced frustration over what he described as groups seeking to undermine Indonesia’s progress, accusing them of persistently defaming the country and weakening national morale.
Speaking before state officials and senior National Police figures in Jakarta on February 13, 2026, Prabowo said certain parties did not want Indonesia to advance into a developed nation.
“Indonesia will be a strong country, but it shouldn’t be an arrogant country. We will respect every nation. Once again, if we are disturbed, we know we are being disturbed. Do not think that we are unaware,” he said.
Prabowo asserted that these groups employ various methods to tarnish Indonesia’s reputation, disregarding what he called the country’s achievements in recent years.
“We are not stupid. I’m talking to them. Please, dear friends, Indonesia, Indonesians are not stupid. We know what’s happening. We know who funds movements that defame Indonesia. Because they are afraid of our strength, they are afraid of our prosperity,” he added.
During the same address, the president also took aim at economists whom he accused of focusing solely on criticism without acknowledging positive developments. Although he did not mention any individuals by name, Prabowo questioned their commitment to the nation.
“I don’t know, there are these unclear economists. Always undermining morale. I want to ask: Which country are you a citizen of?” he said. Drawing an analogy to football, he added, “If we play football, our team plays, let’s support each other. But they don’t, they always belittle our own achievements.”
Prabowo cited what he described as strong economic indicators, including high household consumption and a reported rise in tax revenue this month, which he said was the highest in several years. He criticized those who, in his view, failed to acknowledge such progress.
At the close of his remarks, the president issued a warning to officials and leaders of state-owned enterprises, urging them to safeguard the country’s resources and uphold integrity in managing public wealth.
“I remind anyone in any institution, especially those managing the nation’s wealth: Maintain the honor, protect the interests and safety of the Indonesian people,” he said. “If you continue practices that harm the nation and its people, the government will use all its available power without exception.”
The speech comes amid Prabowo’s broader push to strengthen national development and assert Indonesia’s position on the global stage while emphasizing unity and resilience at home.
Read: Prabowo Pledges Stability, Security to Drive Indonesia's Economic Growth
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