TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto stated that every political party in Indonesia comprises both good and bad individuals. Therefore, he urged that political differences should not lead to conflict.
He emphasized that differences in ethnicity, background, or political affiliation should not be grounds for a quarrel. "Why should we fight? We are one family, regardless of our background, ethnicity, or party affiliation. All parties have plenty of patriots and scoundrels," he said during the National Cooperative Day event in Senayan, Jakarta, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The Gerindra Party chairperson also urged the Indonesian people to return to their naturally forgiving and understanding character. "Do not adopt a culture of insults, envy, or suspicion," Prabowo stated.
In the same speech, Prabowo also questioned the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, regarding the use of the word 'scoundrel' during discussions.
"Can the President use the word bajingan (scoundrel) or not? Can he? I'm not asking you, I'm asking the Minister of Education," Prabowo said while gesturing toward Minister Abdul Mu'ti at the Indonesia Arena in the Gelora Bung Karno complex, Senayan, yesterday.
Abdul Mu'ti was briefly caught on camera and displayed on the screens to the right and left of the stage where Prabowo was speaking. He was seen rising from his seat while laughing.
Prabowo then stated that the word 'scoundrel' he used was not intended to be rude. He argued that the use of the word was simply an expression of his enthusiasm. "Can I or not? This is not considered rude. Scoundrel, well, it's a scoundrel. What language is that? The Betawi dialect, yes," Prabowo said.
He added, "I was born in Betawi, so I apologize if my passionate Betawi words slip out. Sorry. Is this Cooperative Day, or has the campaign already begun?"
President Prabowo delivered his address during the highlight event of the 79th National Cooperative Day on Sunday. The gathering took place at the Indonesia Arena within the Gelora Bung Karno Complex in Jakarta.
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