President's Bhayangkara Day speech reminds democracy not to be hijacked by money owners and foreign interests

BOGOR - President Prabowo Subianto reminded that Indonesian democracy must not be controlled by the interests of capital owners or influenced by foreign powers. According to him, freedom of opinion must still be guarded, but must not be turned into a source of division.

Prabowo made the statement while leading the 80th Bhayangkara Day ceremony at the Polri Brimob Training Center, Cikeas, Bogor Regency, Wednesday (1/7).

The President said Indonesia continues to build a healthy democratic life. Criticism of the government is still needed as part of the improvement process.

"We respect criticism. Criticism is important. We need criticism to remind and improve ourselves," said Prabowo.

However, he reminded that democracy also faces new threats that should not be ignored.

"Don't let democracy be hijacked by those who have a lot of money. Don't let our democracy be corrupted by foreign interests," he said.

Prabowo emphasized that differences of opinion were normal in democracy. What must be guarded is that differences do not turn into hatred and divide the unity of the nation.

According to the President, Indonesian democracy must remain based on the nation's own values, not become a space for the fight for the interests of certain groups.

In this context, Prabowo asked the National Police to play the role of a mature democracy guard. The apparatus must ensure that every citizen can express their opinions peacefully, while ensuring that the law is upheld and public order is maintained.

He assessed that the stability of democracy is one of the important conditions for Indonesia to be able to continue the transformation towards a strong, modern, and prosperous country.