President Prabowo Highlights Two Years of Progress Amid Nationwide Protests
President Prabowo Subianto praised his administration's achievements while urging humility, as student and civil society protests erupted in several Indonesian cities.
In a plenary cabinet session held at the Presidential Palace complex, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized pride in the administration's two-year accomplishments and warned officials against both arrogance and low self-esteem. His speech came a day after coordinated protests by student bodies, including the University of Indonesia's Student Executive Body, and broader civil society groups across Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Makassar, which highlighted concerns about high living costs, forest-fire management, tuition fees and democratic freedoms.
Greenpeace activists added a visual protest by climbing the Welcome Statue near the palace. The Government Communication Agency head, Syahganda Nainggolan, responded by thanking demonstrators for their feedback and urging non-violent advocacy. Prabowo also praised the collaborative nature of his Red and White Cabinet, noting its diverse political and professional composition, and encouraged ministers to maintain teamwork for effective governance.
Why it matters
The speech reflects Indonesia's political climate as the government balances claimed progress with public discontent over economic and environmental issues.
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