President Prabowo Underscores State’s Responsibility to Serve People

President Prabowo Subianto commended the collective efforts to build basic infrastructure for the people.

According to the President, the construction of thousands of bridges and clean water facilities demonstrates the strength of Indonesia’s spirit of gotong royong (mutual assistance) in delivering the greatest possible benefits to the people.

“Today, I am proud and truly moved as we have proven that the Indonesian people are truly united. We are a nation that embraces the spirit of gotong royong, a nation capable of projecting its own strength to work for the utmost prosperity and well-being of our people,” President Prabowo said during the inauguration of 3,395 the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI)-the National Police (Polri) bridges and 3,000 clean water facilities built by the Indonesian Army in a hybrid ceremony via video conference on Thursday (08/13).

The President also expressed appreciation to TNI and Polri personnel who have worked across various regions, often under challenging conditions. He underscored the dedication of the TNI and Polri leaders and personnel demonstrates their understanding on the importance of delivering changes that have a tangible impact on people’s lives, particularly those living in rural and remote areas.

The President also stated that while the Government continues to promote major and strategic development projects, it must not lose sight of the people’s basic needs.

“We may be able to undertake even more ambitious projects. While this demands massive investment, we must always understand that the state must be present for the people in the most remote areas. Citizens living farthest from the major hubs of life must also be guaranteed a good quality of life,” he said.

On the occasion, the President also reaffirmed the identity of TNI and Polri as institutions born from the people and dedicated to serving the people’s interests. According to him, the construction of thousands of bridges and clean water facilities is manifestation of the commitment.

“This is proof that TNI truly is the people’s military and that Polri truly is the people’s police. We must always remember this. You are not ordinary soldiers. You are not ordinary police officers. You are the people’s soldiers and the people’s police. You were born from the people, you struggle alongside the people, you give your very best for the people, and ultimately, you will return to the people,” he said.

President Prabowo also emphasized that both institutions have no other aspiration than to devote themselves fully to the nation and state. This commitment to service, he added, remained a primary source of fulfillment as he observed the tangible benefits of development extending to the people.

President Prabowo also said that the Government would continue to develop and inaugurate various major and strategic projects needed to transform Indonesia into a modern, advanced, and prosperous nation. However, he underscored that the nation’s large-scale development goals must go hand in hand with a steadfast commitment to the people’s fundamental needs.

“Thank you once again. Army Chief of Staff and the National Police Chief, please convey my highest regards and deepest respect to TNI [soldiers] and Polri [officers]. I am immensely proud,” he concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/MMB)