President Prabowo Highlights Seamless Leadership Transition, Global Recognition for Indonesia’s Democracy

President Prabowo delivers State of the Nation Address at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the House of Regional Representatives (DPD), in Jakarta (08/15). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Friday (08/15) highlighted that the transition of national leadership, from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to his leadership, has unfolded with unity, dignity, and political maturity. According to the President, the smooth transition stands as proof of maturity of its democracy, which is recognized internationally.

“Not every nation is able to carry out a transfer of leadership as seamlessly and effectively as we have. Wherever I travel abroad, leaders of friendly nations often ask me, “How did you do it? How did Indonesia manage? I told them that we have succeeded because we uphold a uniquely Indonesian democracy. A democracy of peace, a democracy that unites. Not a democracy that pits us against one another, tears each other down, or trades insults. Not a democracy that breeds hatred,” President Prabowo said in a State of the Nation Address at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the House of Regional Representatives (DPD), at the Nusantara Building, Jakarta.

President Prabowo underscored that Indonesia’s democracy is inherited from its forefathers; a democracy that is in harmony with the culture of kekeluargaan (mutual benefits) and gotong royong (mutual cooperation). The President stated that in a modern state, oversight is essential to prevent corruption. “History teaches us that when power goes unchecked, it leads to corruption. For absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he said.

In his address, the President also revealed that corruption remains the nation’s gravest problem as it is entrenched at every level of the bureaucracy, permeates every government institution and organization, and afflicts the state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and regional-owned enterprises (BUMD). Since the start of his administration, President Prabowo has identified and secured Rp300 trillion in the State Budget that was vulnerable to misuse. This amount included allocations for domestic and international travel, office stationery, and various other expenditures.

“We redirected these funds toward more productive programs that would deliver direct and tangible benefits to the people,” he said.

President Prabowo illustrated that the leakage of the nation’s wealth is similar to a body that is continuously losing blood, threatening its survival. Therefore, he underscored that firm action must be taken. “To that end, I am entrusted with the responsibility to take decisive action, even when such choices are challenging or unpopular. It is imperative that I protect our nation’s wealth, ensuring it serves the interests of our people for now and tomorrow, for the benefit of both present and future generations,” he said.

The President also called on all parties to re-learn and practice the 1945 Constitution as it is a living framework formulated by the nation’s founders. The President expressed belief that the vision of Bung Karno, Bung Hatta, and the 1945 Generation remains relevant for tackling today’s challenges.

“I firmly believe that if we follow the path laid out by our predecessors, we will grow into a strong and prosperous nation,” he concluded.  (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/MUR)