JAKARTA: President Prabowo Subianto has called corruption Indonesia’s “biggest disease,” blaming it for the country’s declining performance across all sectors.
Speaking via video at the 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai, Prabowo responded to Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio, who questioned how corruption has weakened education, research, and innovation in Indonesia.
“Our root problem is degrading moral and social leadership,” Prabowo said, adding that corruption levels are deeply concerning.
Prabowo pledged to channel all resources into fighting corruption, calling it a disease that weakens governance. He emphasised that no one is above the law, highlighting recent crackdowns on figures once considered untouchable.
After 100 days in office, public satisfaction with his government reached 81 per cent, surpassing his election victory margin.
Prabowo announced a budget efficiency policy, slashing $20 billion from ministry and institutional funds, redirecting it to strategic and sustainable projects.
“If I didn’t save this money, it would have just disappeared,” he said, acknowledging bureaucratic resistance from those who viewed themselves as untouchable.
Despite pushback, he vowed to uphold the law and push for greater transparency in governance. – BERNAMA
