TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto said on Friday that certain groups are deliberately criticizing his administration, claiming he is aware of who is funding what he described as efforts to discredit the government.
“Indonesians are not stupid. We know what is happening. We know who funds movements that disparage the Indonesian nation,” Prabowo said during the inauguration and groundbreaking of the SPPG and National Police Food Resilience Warehouse at Palmerah Police Station in West Jakarta on February 13, 2026.
The president did not name any individuals or organizations. The former commander of Indonesia’s Special Forces said his critics were motivated by fear that Indonesia would grow stronger and more prosperous under his leadership. He added that he remains unfazed by the criticism.
“We only want the people to live well, that’s all we want. We will prove that Indonesia’s economy will rise,” said Prabowo, who also chairs the Gerindra Party.
Prabowo also took aim at several Indonesian economists, accusing them of undermining national morale by focusing solely on criticism rather than acknowledging government achievements.
“If football is being played, let’s support our team. They don’t. They always denigrate our own achievements,” he said.
He pointed to what he described as strong household consumption levels and a significant rise in tax revenues in early 2026 compared to recent years.
“No one has any positive comments. But we don’t mind. We work and prove it to the people. We are on the brink of revival,” he said.
The president also addressed criticism of his flagship free nutritious meals program, which some opponents have alleged could strain state finances.
Prabowo rejected the claim, arguing that reallocating budgets to priority programs would be more beneficial than maintaining what he described as inefficient or unproductive spending practices.
“The culture of spending budgets on unproductive activities that bring no benefit to the nation and people must stop,” he said, adding that misuse of funds for personal interests ultimately harms the public.
Prabowo said he had asked Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari to compile video clips of critics of the free meal program, saying he intended to watch them as part of his routine.
He also dismissed suggestions that the program was designed to undermine Indonesia’s reputation, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to the country.
“From a young age, as a second lieutenant, I had nothing. I was ready to die for the republic. How could I dare to insult it? No,” he said. “The rest of my life is only for saving and building Indonesia.”
Read: Prabowo Alleges Attempts to 'Defame' Indonesia: 'We Are Not Stupid'
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