Prabowo Identifies Corruption, Smuggling as Root Causes of Poverty

President Prabowo Subianto has strongly stated that corruption, smuggling, and other illegal economic activities are the root causes of poverty in Indonesia. He asserted that poverty is a direct consequence of these illicit practices. During the commemoration of Hari Bhayangkara (80th Anniversary of the Indonesian National Police) on Wednesday (1/7/2026), Prabowo declared, "The challenges are still immense. Our people are still suffering from poverty, and this poverty is a direct result of corruption, smuggling, and illegal economic activities." He further emphasized that security and social stability are crucial for boosting economic growth. The President urged the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to intensify their efforts in maintaining security. According to Prabowo, security encompasses more than just the absence of crime. It means that citizens, from employees to farmers and fishermen, can work freely without obstruction. It also means that businesspeople can invest and conduct their businesses comfortably. "Security does not only mean the absence of crime. Security means the people are free to work. Farmers dare to plant, fishermen dare to go to sea, businessmen dare to invest, teachers are happy to teach, and children are happy to learn," Prabowo stated. He also highlighted the importance of proper law enforcement in Indonesia, asserting that the economy cannot grow rapidly without legal certainty. Prabowo reiterated the need to maintain social stability and security, including fair law enforcement, stating that prosperity is impossible without stability, and development is impossible without security. "There can be no economic growth and investment without legal certainty; there can be no justice without a clean government and a government full of corruption," he declared. The President added that welfare cannot be achieved without order in Indonesia. He also noted that growth cannot be maximized without trusted state apparatus loyal to the people. Prabowo reminded the public that Indonesia is a law-based country, and therefore, the law must be upheld, respected, and honored by all parties. "The law must be a protector of the people, the law must provide a sense of security to honest people, the law must be a refuge for the weak. The law must not be sharp downwards and blunt upwards," he stressed. Furthermore, Prabowo emphasized that the law should not be used as a tool by those with money to oppress others who lack resources. "The law must not become a tool for those who have money. The law must not become a tool for political revenge. The law must not be used for the interests of any group. There must be no criminalization, no abuse of authority, and no one should be above the law," he concluded.