Prabowo Admits Advisers Urge Scripted Speeches, Prefers Direct Communication

President Prabowo Subianto admitted that he is repeatedly advised by his aides and communication experts not to give speeches without a script. However, he expressed his intention to continue with his spontaneous style, feeling it allows him to express his thoughts more directly to the public. Speaking at the 28th anniversary of the National Mandate Party (PAN) at JICC Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, September 18, 2026, Prabowo stated, "My advisers and political and communication experts, they all say, 'Mr. Prabowo, don't give a speech without a text, you have to use a text.'" He found it difficult to fully adhere to this advice, preferring to speak directly. "But how is it, I like to talk about what it is," he said. Prabowo also acknowledged receiving frequent input that, as president, he should speak more gently and carefully. Yet, he conveyed his desire to use language that the public can easily understand. "I want to speak to my people. I know, I know my people," he asserted. Prabowo linked his communication style to his extensive experience leading soldiers. He explained that the soldiers he commanded came from ordinary families, fostering a sense of closeness to the lives of the people. In front of PAN cadres, he directly asked if they preferred his speeches without a script. "I see from your faces, I see from your eyes, you like it when I speak without text, right?" he remarked. He also joked that those most anticipating his verbal slip-ups were experts and journalists. This spontaneous style characterized much of Prabowo's speech that evening. He incorporated numerous jokes, including references to nicknames like "Bang Bowo," "Kang Bowo," and "Mas Bowo," while also rejecting titles such as "Mbah" or "Eyang."