Prabowo shakes his head after a year in office often offered bribes

President Prabowo Subianto/ANTARA FOTO/HAFIDZ MUBARAK A

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that action against any violations must be carried out without conflicts of interest and carried out in accordance with laws and regulations for the sake of the nation and state.

"I've been President for only one year, I'm also shaking my head. How many times have I been bribed, asked for this and that? Implement regulations according to the interests of the nation and state, I don't follow others," said Prabowo as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 7.

Prabowo then told the story about himself who had recently been given a list of dozens of companies that had violated and would have their licenses revoked.

The President emphasized that he did not want to be directly involved in checking the list of violators in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

"I said, I don't want to because my friend is there. Yes, it's not good, it can be affected. I saw it, eh, this is Gerindra again, so it's better I don't want to see. I don't want to know," said Prabowo.

"I don't want to read because I don't want to be influenced. Please learn this, lest I be afraid that my friends are there," he added.

The President emphasized that the process of taking action was entirely handed over to law enforcement officials. According to him, every violation must be taken seriously according to the law, without special treatment for certain parties.

For Prabowo, the mandate of Article 33 paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution is very clear, namely the earth, water, and natural wealth contained therein are controlled by the state and used for the greatest prosperity of the people.

"What is unclear? Those who don't understand, just leave the post. Immediately resign. There are many who can replace, brothers. Good young people want to fight for good," he said.

On that occasion, Prabowo also revealed that the government had taken concrete steps to save state assets.

Until now, as much as 4 million hectares of illegal oil palm plantations have been confiscated. This figure is projected to increase significantly in the future.

"In 2026, we target to confiscate an additional 4 to 5 million hectares. We have also taken action against hundreds of illegal mines and saved hundreds of trillion rupiah of state funds," he said.

Prabowo invited all ministers and their ranks in the cabinet to unite against corruption. He emphasized that the main task of the Red and White Cabinet is to ensure that every rupiah of the people's money reaches the right hands.

"People's money must be enjoyed by all Indonesians. Not even one percent should not reach the people. This is my determination as President," said Prabowo.