FWK asks Prabowo to stop statements that are considered to weaken the spirit of the community

JAKARTA - The National Journalists Forum or FWK asked President Prabowo Subianto to improve public communication and avoid statements that were considered to weaken the spirit of the community amid economic pressure.

The appeal came up in FWK's regular discussion in Jakarta, Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The forum was attended by a number of editors-in-chief and senior journalists.

One of the initiators of FWK, Hendry Ch Bangun, said the president's statement should build public confidence in the country.

"We hope and appeal to the President to issue a statement that builds the spirit of nationhood and statehood. Do not say anything that weakens the spirit of the people who are in a difficult time," said Hendry.

According to Hendry, the weakness of public communication makes it easy for officials' statements to trigger debate. Criticism not only comes from observers and intellectuals, but also the general public.

FWK highlighted Prabowo's statement on May 26, 2026 that villagers "do not use dollars" so that Indonesia's food and energy conditions are still safe. The statement was questioned because the exchange rate change is considered to still affect production costs, including for farmers and fishermen.

The forum also discussed Prabowo's statement in laying the first stone of 13 national downstream projects in Cilacap on April 29, 2026. At that time, Prabowo asked the pessimists and carried the "Dark Indonesia" narrative to move to Yemen.

Hendry assessed that the government needed to be more careful in delivering messages, including when talking about foreign investment.

"We are so serious about looking for foreign investors to enter Indonesia, but when they want to enter, they are called stealing wealth. They may even be reluctant to continue their intentions," he said.

FWK also highlighted the change of leadership of the National Nutrition Agency or BGN in the midst of various issues of the Free Nutritious Meal Program.

FWK National Coordinator Raja Parlindungan Pane assessed that the change of leadership in a short time showed the weakness of the government's preparation and planning.

"Nanik has not been in office for two months and then resigned. As quickly and easily as that, it's like turning your palm over," said Raja.

According to Raja, the process of selecting the head of the institution must go through a strict assessment because BGN manages a large program that concerns the interests of the wider community.

FWK member M. Nasir asked government officials to convey the condition of the country based on data and facts, not just promises.

"In a difficult economic condition, government officials must speak the facts. Do not deliver heaven without being able to implement it. The people need certainty," he said.

Nasir assessed that an optimistic narrative was still needed, but it must be supported by facts so that the public understands the direction and policies of the government.