Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto highlighted criticism as an essential part of democracy but warned against the influence of wealthy and foreign actors that could undermine national unity.
“As we continue to build our democracy, we welcome criticism. It reminds us to improve ourselves. But we remain alert to threats to our democracy,” Prabowo said at the 80th Bhayangkara Day ceremony in Bogor Regency on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
He stressed the need for Indonesia’s democracy to be rooted in national values and interests. “Our democracy must not be hijacked by the wealthy or undermined by foreign interests. Differences of opinion must not turn into hatred, for ultimately, we are all Indonesians,” Prabowo remarked.
He called on the Indonesian National Police to protect citizens’ freedom of speech, and to uphold the law and maintain public order.
(Jonathan Sianto)
Our Democracy Must Not Be Hijacked: President Prabowo
