Summary
Highlights
The event, 'President Prabowo Answers,' features President Prabowo discussing key issues with six distinguished guests. Prabowo shares his long-standing focus on food and energy security, which he views through the lens of common sense and reality, rather than ideology. He emphasizes that basic needs like food are fundamental and often historical causes of conflict. Citing Bung Karno, he highlights the importance of food security for national independence and stability. Prabowo explains that increasing global interconnectedness means conflicts anywhere now have worldwide repercussions on food and energy prices.
Prabowo discusses the inherent human desire for dominance, which historically leads to conflict over resources. While acknowledging war's destructive nature and the need to avoid it, he asserts that a nation must be prepared for conflict to deter aggression. He references Thucydides' 'The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must' and Vegetius' 'Si vis pacem, para bellum' (If you want peace, prepare for war). He cites Iran's long-term preparedness under sanctions as an example of a nation ready to defend itself.
Prabowo describes his unique sleeping habits, highlighting his ability to nap anywhere, anytime, considering short naps as a 'charge.' He wakes up early, often around 3 AM, to stay updated on global news, especially given time differences. He reflects on historical misunderstandings of Indonesian work habits, explaining that what was perceived as laziness by colonialists was actually a 'survival instinct' or 'cultural wisdom' adapted to the tropical climate, where people work in the cool mornings and rest during the midday heat.
Journalist Mbak Eno questions Prabowo on his recent strong statement against 'false and flattering reports.' Prabowo acknowledges the prevalent 'asal Bapak senang' (as long as the boss is happy) culture as a problem across institutions. He stresses the importance of receiving uncomfortable but truthful reports and actively cross-checks information. He shares an anecdote from his military career where a serious accident was initially hidden from him. He asserts that a leader must be willing to face reality and problems head-on, seeking solutions rather than ignoring issues. He welcomes constructive criticism but distinguishes it from criticism motivated by ill intent. He provides an example of direct action taken after receiving a video complaint from a child in Nias about dangerous bridges, leading to the construction of 3,000 bridges across Indonesia and providing a scholarship for the child.
Dede Basri raises concerns about shrinking middle class and rising unemployment among educated youth, leading to social unrest. He notes the prevalence of informal jobs with low wages. Prabowo responds by emphasizing 'transformasi bangsa' through industrialization and downstream processing (hilirisasi) to create high-value jobs. He plans to develop manufacturing sectors, such as electric car production, leveraging Indonesia's rich natural resources. He acknowledges inefficiencies in bureaucracy, specifically mentioning 145 regulations hindering fertilizer distribution, and vows to deregulate and cut wasteful governmental spending. He advocates for all sectors to be addressed simultaneously for widespread improvement.
Prabowo reiterates his strategy for food, energy, and water self-sufficiency. He plans to drastically increase solar power generation to 100 GW within two years, replacing diesel-powered electricity plants. He envisions converting all vehicles to electric power, highlighting significant cost savings for citizens. He also speaks about Indonesia's potential in palm oil to produce alternative fuels, demonstrating a holistic approach to energy independence and sustainability while emphasizing the need for caution and adaptability in a volatile global environment.
Najwa Shihab questions Prabowo about the acid attack on activist Andri Yunus and the broader concern about shrinking space for critical voices. Prabowo condemns the attack as an act of terrorism and barbarity, vowing to pursue not just the perpetrators but also those who ordered and financed it, even if they are state actors. He asserts there will be no impunity. He dismisses suggestions that such incidents indicate state oppression, arguing that some events are fabricated to destabilize the government. He emphasizes his commitment to a clean and just Indonesia, fighting corruption within state-owned enterprises and bureaucracy.
Bosman Mardigu questions Indonesia's role as a peacemaker, particularly in the Palestine-Israel conflict, asking about Indonesia's leverage or 'bargain power.' Prabowo explains his involvement in the 'Board of Peace' initiative after the initial conflict in October 2023. He recounts Indonesia's efforts to provide humanitarian aid and push for a two-state solution. He highlights the role played by Muslim nations in pressing the US to intervene. Prabowo describes a meeting with Donald Trump where a 21-point plan for peace was discussed, leading to a temporary ceasefire and increased aid to Gaza. He states Indonesia's commitment to peacekeeping, conditional on UN approval and acceptance from all involved parties, including Hamas. He clarifies that Indonesia would not participate in military actions against Hamas or disarmament efforts, but rather focus on protecting civilians. He concludes by confirming that the 'Board of Peace' initiative is currently on hold due to the ongoing conflict, but humanitarian aid continues.