Prabowo Affirms Uncompromising Stance Against Corruption, Even Towards Associates

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has asserted his firm commitment to eradicating corruption without any exceptions, even for those close to him. He highlighted the case of Dadan Hindayana, a former Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and a former member of his campaign team, whom Prabowo himself handed over to the prosecutor's office when issues arose. "I have proven it. Pak Dadan was my campaign team, my expert team. I appointed him (as) Head of BGN. I was also the one who handed him over to the prosecutor's office," Prabowo stated in the 'Prabowo Menjawab' program, according to a written statement on Wednesday (16/9/2026). Prabowo also cited the seizure of Hotel Sultan's assets as another example. Despite the hotel being owned by Pontjo Sutowo, who is considered a friend, the law was applied strictly. "How many have I handed over, and how many assets have we seized? Hotel Sultan, wow, there was a lot of lobbying for me. Perhaps Pak Pontjo is considered a figure and is indeed my friend. But I have no friends, this is the state," he said. Furthermore, upon his appointment as Minister of Defense in 2019, Prabowo prohibited individuals close to him from engaging in business with the Ministry of Defense to prevent conflicts of interest. He applied the same principle upon assuming the presidency. Prabowo warned all Gerindra party cadres that he would not provide special treatment. "As soon as I became President, I said be careful, my brothers and sisters in Gerindra. Don't think that because I am President, if you make a mistake, I can protect you. I told you upfront. And you can see, how many regents (from) Gerindra have been arrested (by law enforcement), how many mayors, and so on," he stated. For Prabowo, the interests of the people are paramount. "To govern a nation, we must be wise and prudent. Ultimately, national interests, the interests of the people, must be above all else," he emphasized.