Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto says there are groups that often criticise the government and are controlled by foreign powers.
This was conveyed by Prabowo during the "2026 National Coordination Meeting of the Central and Regional Governments" in Sentul, Bogor, on Monday February 2.
Initially, Prabowo alluded to groups that frequently denigrate the government. He then urged these groups not to damage the nation by dividing society.
"If you don't like two or three people, don't damage the entire nation. If you don't like Prabowo go ahead and in 2029 contest [the presidential elections]", he explained.
Prabowo said these groups also want to continue creating demonstrations or protests in the homeland. He said however that their main goal is not the demonstrations but the riots that occur after them.
"Demos are fine, but they don't expect demos, they hope for riots. Riots bring misfortune to the nation and the state", he said.
Therefore, Prabowo emphasised that he will not hesitate to take action against those who riot and commit criminal acts such as arson and the use of Molotov cocktails.
"I say arson and Molotov cocktails are dangerous and criminal. I won't hesitate [to take action]", he said.
Furthermore, Prabowo claimed that these groups knew from the start that they are being assisted or supported by foreign powers to create chaos in Indonesia.
Therefore, he appealed for an end to all efforts to divide the nation. He said that the people are the ones who are actually the victims of these actions.
"So, whether these groups are aware of it or not, I'm certain they are controlled by foreign powers. I am certain of it, I'm certain, and I have proof", he said. (fra/tfq/fra)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Prabowo Sebut Kelompok Pengkritik Dikendalikan Kekuatan Asing".]
