Prabowo Mocks Critics as 'Too Smart to Be Smart'

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto sharply criticized experts who questioned his policies, calling them 'too smart to be smart.' This statement was reported by Sindonews on September 18, 2026. Minister Prabowo implied that experts raising doubts about the effectiveness or feasibility of his policies were being unrealistic or overly theoretical in their critiques. This remark highlights the tension between expert opinions and incumbent policymakers within Indonesia's political discourse. In Indonesia, while expert advice is valued in policy-making, there is often a disconnect between theoretical recommendations and practical implementation. Direct criticism from a prominent figure like Minister Prabowo suggests that policy debates can become emotionally charged. The context for this statement likely involves Minister Prabowo having faced various opinions on his policies and political stances in the past. This time, instead of simply refuting the criticism, he adopted a more aggressive approach by questioning the intelligence of the critics themselves. This type of rhetoric can be used to garner public support or gain an advantage in policy debates. However, it also risks deepening divisions with the expert community and potentially affecting the quality of policy decisions.