Prabowo Denies His Remarks on Experts Were Twisted

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has claimed that his statements are intentionally twisted and perceived as if he disrespects experts. This concern was expressed by the President on Thursday (24/9) during a meeting with 22 experts regarding the management of peatlands, which pose a risk of forest fires, at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. In a video uploaded to YouTube on Friday (25/9), Prabowo stated, "So, brothers and sisters, don't get the wrong information, because sometimes when I speak to an audience, it gets twisted, and it's said as if I don't respect experts." The President asserted that he highly respects the knowledge of experts, stating that he has always sought input from them since his time as a military officer. He also requested advice from the experts during this meeting regarding peatland management in Indonesia. Following the meeting, Prabowo is reported to have agreed to establish a National Peat and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN) directly under the President. Minister of Environment and Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, informed reporters after the meeting that the President had decided to establish the BPGMN. Prabowo's controversial remarks concerning experts have drawn attention in the past. Most recently, during a speech at the 28th anniversary of the PAN party (National Mandate Party) a few weeks ago, he criticized the narrative of experts who often protest the government's strategic policies. At the time, the President quoted a verse from the Quran and said, "Let the experts who consider themselves experts do as they please. They are so smart they become foolish."