At Inauguration of Five Dams, President Prabowo Reaffirms Commitment to Public Service

President Prabowo Subianto leads the inauguration of five dams across Indonesia at Meninting Dam in Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara province, on Friday (07/10).

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his commitment to dedicating himself to the nation and its people and urged the public to strengthen national unity and remain vigilant about the challenges the country faces.

The President made the statement during the inauguration of five dams across Indonesia at the Meninting Dam in Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara province, on Friday (07/10).

President Prabowo stated that as a nation blessed with abundant natural resources, Indonesia continuously faces various challenges, including the ones posed by those who do not expect Indonesia to be an advanced, strong country. Therefore, the Head of State urged all Indonesians to strengthen national unity and remain alert to any threats against national interests.

“Our nation went through centuries of colonization, faced insults, and was even regarded as lower than dogs. Our wealth is still being drained. To this day, we are still considered inferior. Certain groups, certain nations, certain countries envy us. They envy us because we are rich. They think about how to steal our wealth and even tear us apart,” he said.

In front of all the people and the officials present at the event, the Head of State also emphasized that he will always prioritize the public interest and work toward eliminating poverty and hunger for all Indonesians.

“I received a mandate from the people of Indonesia. I was elected by the people of Indonesia, and I will remain loyal to the people of Indonesia. With all that I have, with all my might, my mind, and my energy, I will serve my nation and my people. I will not back down. I will never give up,” he said.

The President further stressed that food security is the main foundation for national development.

“I cannot bear to see the people of Indonesia living in poverty. I cannot bear to see our children starving. I cannot bear to see our people starving. That is important to me. No country can succeed without providing food for its people. Thank God, Indonesia is now capable of feeding its own people,” he said.

The President also urged all state apparatus to reflect and strengthen their identity as civil servants.

“Indonesia’s problem is our common problem. Let us all reflect, especially bureaucrats. Let us all reflect. Military and police officers should reflect, too. You all belong to the people. Your ranks, your shoes, your hats come from the people. Never forget that. Officials at the Attorney General’s Office should reflect, too,” he said, urging public officials to prioritize public interest in performing their duties.

On that occasion, the President highlighted the Government’s achievements made in a short period despite various challenges and resistance from certain parties with differing interests, including corruptors.

The President underscored that efforts to eradicate corruption will continue to be pursued through applicable legal mechanisms, adding that law enforcement must proceed justly and apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their status or authority.

“We will enforce laws. Laws apply to all, they do not only serve the strong and the rich,” he remarked. (BPMI Presidential Secretary) (DH/TM)