September 19, 2026 | 12:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his pledge to build a prosperous Indonesia where people do not go hungry and children do not suffer from malnutrition.
Speaking at the 28th anniversary celebration of the National Mandate Party (PAN) in Jakarta on Friday night, Prabowo said his commitment to defending the nation had been instilled in him from a young age.
“I was sworn in from a young age. I was ready, at 18, I was ready to die for this country,” Prabowo said.
He said his service to the country was driven by his desire to see Indonesia become a respected nation where people could live prosperously.
Prabowo said he wanted to see an Indonesia where no one went hungry and parents did not struggle when their children fell ill.
He also highlighted children who go to school hungry and the problem of stunting caused by malnutrition.
According to Prabowo, malnutrition can weaken children’s bones and muscles and hinder the development of brain cells, affecting their ability to compete with children from other countries.
“I do not want to see that. That is not my oath. I swear to see Indonesia prosperous. That is my oath,” he said.
Prabowo said efforts to improve people’s welfare require courage, perseverance and loyalty.
He said the highest form of loyalty should be to the nation, the state and the Indonesian people.
“First and foremost is loyalty to our nation, our state and our people,” he said.
Prabowo said loyalty to the country was easy to express but required hard work to put into practice.
In the same speech, Prabowo also reiterated his call for public education to be free, from elementary and junior high school to senior high school and state universities.
He said he would soon hold a limited meeting to discuss efforts to provide free public education.
Prabowo: Malaysia Offers Assistance in Response to Kalimantan Forest Fires
12 jam lalu
Malaysia has offered assistance to tackle forest fires in Kalimantan.
Prabowo Signals Cabinet Reshuffle as Two-Year Mark Nears
18 jam lalu
Since taking office as president in October 2024, Prabowo Subianto has carried out six cabinet reshuffles.
Prabowo's 6 Steps to Indonesia's Energy Independence
18 jam lalu
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya revealed President Prabowo Subianto's six strategic steps to accelerate Indonesia's national energy independence.
What Prabowo Says About Cuts to Regional Transfer Funds
19 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto slams "suboptimal" regional governments' budget management.
Fact Check: Did Putin Question Prabowo Over Indonesia's BoP Membership?
22 jam lalu
A video circulating online claims Putin questioned Indonesia's Board of Peace membership during the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia.
Prabowo: Indonesia Defense Budget Among Smallest in ASEAN
23 jam lalu
Prabowo noted that Indonesia's defense spending has hovered around 0.9 percent of GDP for decades.
Why Prabowo Wants Centralized Teacher Recruitment
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto believes teacher hiring at the regional level remains fraught with political interference and nepotism.
Will Prabowo Attend This Year's UN General Assembly?
1 hari lalu
Foreign Minister Sugiono is set to attend the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York this month. What about Prabowo?
Prabowo Explains Why He's Establishing URI Amid 'Deep State' Concerns
1 hari lalu
Prabowo explains why he is establishing URI, which he says will prepare future government leaders and improve recruitment and administration.
Rift Rumblings in Prabowo's Coalition
1 hari lalu
The coalition supporting Prabowo Subianto is beginning to face signs of division. It is time for political parties to listen to the people's voice.
