First Year of Red and White Cabinet Full of Integrity, Firmness

President Prabowo Subianto delivers his introductory remarks at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting, held at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (10/20). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto outlined a number of strategic achievements during his first year of administration, including legal reforms, corruption eradication, strengthened defense and national infrastructure development. In his introductory remarks, President Prabowo said that the Government had increased the salaries of the lowest-ranking judges by 280 percent as a crucial step to ensure judges can live a decent life and remain free from vested interests.

“We expect our judges to live a good life, have a good quality of life, and live honorably so they are free from bribery. Our judges must not be bought by anyone; that is our goal,” said the President while leading a Plenary Cabinet Meeting, commemorating one-year administration of the Red and White Cabinet at the State Palace, Jakarta on Monday (10/20).

President Prabowo emphasized that improving the welfare of judges is a normal thing as part of the state’s responsibility to uphold the dignity of the judiciary. The Head of State also highlighted the success of law enforcement officials in saving a significant amount of state funds.

“As evidence today, we managed to secure Rp13 trillion out of Rp17 trillion decided by the court. So, I think the judges have a conscience and courage in making decisions, ultimately managing to save Rp17 trillion of the people’s money,” he said.

He said further that the Government has succeeded in diverting Rp306 trillion of the state budget, previously prone to corruption, to programs that directly impact the people. The President also reiterated his commitment to upholding the law without discrimination.

“We are determined to ensure that no corruption cases remain uninvestigated. No more (cases) untouchable. I thank law enforcement for their steadfast commitment to continuing this noble task,” said the President.

In addition, the Government has also recorded significant achievements in safeguarding state assets, including halting illegal mining practices and reclaiming unlawful palm oil plantations. The President emphasized that these decisive measures were taken solely to protect the interests of the people and fight against lawbreakers.

“There may be those who are grumbling, but it’s okay. They are the ones who violate the law, who steal from the Indonesian people, resulting in many of us still living in poverty because much of our wealth has been stolen,” said the President.

In the defense sector, President Prabowo stated that the Government continues to strengthen the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) through an additional battalions and increased preparedness. He also emphasized Indonesia’s readiness to play an active role in maintaining global peace, including in the Middle East region.

“We hope to take part in resolving the Gaza crisis. I have ordered the TNI to be ready to send 20,000 troops. We have also been in contact with several countries to inquire about our readiness. We are ready to support peace efforts in the Middle East and, if necessary, elsewhere,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the infrastructure sector, President Prabowo highlighted the construction of a 535-kilometer sea wall on the north coast of Java Island as a national strategic project to protect residents and industrial areas from the threat of rising sea levels. “On the north coast of Java, if I’m not mistaken, around 60 percent of our industry is located there. We have to protect tens of thousands of hectares of fertile rice fields there,” the President concluded. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MMB)