President Prabowo Gives A Chance For Corruptors To Repent With The Condition That They Return People's Money

President Prabowo Subianto during a speech at the Azhar Conference Center Building, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Wednesday (18/12/2024). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA President Prabowo Subianto gave a surprising statement in his speech to Indonesian students at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, December 19. The President stated that corruptors who return their stolen money to the state will be given the opportunity to repent.

"I gave the opportunity to repent. Hey, corruptors or who have ever felt like stealing from the people, if you return those you stole, we may forgive. But, return them," said the President at the Al-Azhar Conference Center Building.

Prabowo explained that this opportunity to repent was given within a certain period of time that was not specifically stated. According to him, the way of returning funds can be done secretly.

"Later we will give you the opportunity to return it. If you want to secretly return it so you don't get caught, please. The important thing is to repent and return it to the country," he said.

In the same speech, President Prabowo also conveyed a firm message to the state apparatus. He asked them to fulfill their obligations to the nation and state according to the facilities that have been received.

"Hi, those of you who have received facilities from the nation and state, pay your obligations. If you obey the law and carry out your duties well, we can face a common future. But if you continue to be stubborn, what can you do, the law will be enforced," Prabowo said, greeted with lively applause from students.

The President added that the loyalty of the state apparatus must be entirely to the nation, state and people of Indonesia. He also promised to clean up government officials if jurisprudence or law violations were found.

"If you are loyal to the people, let's work together. If not, believe me, I will clean up the officials of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.

Prabowo admits that he believes that the people support his steps to create a clean and responsible government.

"I believe, the Indonesian people are behind me," he concluded.

This speech was delivered in the middle of President Prabowo's series of trips to Egypt on December 17, 2024. In addition to meeting Indonesian students at Al-Azhar University, the President also held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace, Cairo.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including economy, education, sports, culture, and defense. Prabowo and El-Sisi agreed to immediately finalize a defense cooperation agreement (DCA) between the two countries.

Activities at Al-Azhar University were closed with warm interactions between President Prabowo and the Indonesian students who were present. Hundreds of students lined up in the hallways and campus courtyards to release the President's departure while applauding.

The President's speech alluding to the corruption and integrity of the state apparatus drew various responses from the public, with most of them assessing this step as an effort to encourage strong but humane reconciliation and eradication of corruption.