Prabowo Reiterates Stance on Corruption, Even Involving Close Associates

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has once again addressed the corruption case involving Dadan Hindayana, a former close associate and head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The President emphasized his unwavering stance against corruption, stating that he would not show favoritism, even towards those close to him, and that everyone is equal under the law. Speaking on his program "Presiden Menjawab" (The President Answers), Prabowo said, "Mr. Dadan was part of my campaign team, my expert team. I appointed him as the head of the BGN, and I was the one who handed him over to the prosecutor's office." This indicates that the President himself initiated the investigation, demonstrating his commitment to strict measures against wrongdoing, regardless of the individual's proximity to power. Furthermore, the President cited the seizure of assets belonging to Hotel Sultan, owned by his friend and businessman Pontjo Sutowo, as another example. He acknowledged that many parties had attempted to lobby him on this matter, but he firmly stated, "Hotel Sultan, wow, many people lobbied me. Perhaps Mr. Pontjo is considered a prominent figure, and he is indeed my friend. But I have no friends; this is the state." This highlights his priority of national interest over personal relationships. Prabowo also recalled an episode from 2019 when he was appointed Minister of Defense. He instructed all his relatives and close associates not to engage in business with the Ministry of Defense, a preventive measure aimed at avoiding conflicts of interest, showcasing his high ethical standards as a public official. He also mentioned that upon becoming President, he warned members of his party, Gerindra, that he would not protect them if they committed errors. He pointed to the number of district heads and mayors from Gerindra who have been arrested by law enforcement agencies as evidence of his impartiality. These statements reaffirm the Prabowo administration's commitment to eradicating corruption and improving the lives of its citizens. Source: CNN Indonesia