President Prabowo Subianto has suggested Indonesia may need to adopt a more assertive approach, even hinting at a degree of authoritarianism, to effectively tackle corruption within the country. The remarks, made during an economic outlook event , come as his administration pledges a renewed focus on combating graft across all levels of government.
Speaking at the Indonesia Economic Outlook 2026 event, attended by government officials, business leaders, and foreign ambassadors, Prabowo acknowledged criticisms that his leadership style leans towards the authoritarian. He framed his comments as a response to these accusations, suggesting that stronger measures might be necessary when dealing with individuals engaged in corrupt practices, including those in the business sector who circumvent regulations and public officials who abuse their positions.
“Some groups keep complaining, saying things like, ‘Indonesia is in this state’, and that ‘Prabowo is authoritarian’. But if you ask the people, perhaps a little bit of authoritarianism is needed, just a little, to fight those corrupt [individuals],” Prabowo said, according to reports.
Despite the provocative statement, Prabowo, a former army general, reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles. He emphasized that Indonesia remains a functioning democracy and that the existing system was instrumental in his own election to the presidency. “I am completely democratic, completely,” he told the audience, which included journalists and Western ambassadors, eliciting laughter. “If there were no democracy, I would not have become President.”
The comments arrive at a sensitive juncture for Indonesia, as the country navigates a complex geopolitical landscape and grapples with persistent challenges related to corruption. Prabowo’s administration has publicly prioritized tackling corruption as a key pillar of its agenda, aiming to foster a more transparent and accountable bureaucracy. He vowed to pursue a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, abuse of power, and manipulation at all levels of government, envisioning a “new Indonesia” characterized by integrity and good governance.
The suggestion of employing more forceful tactics to combat corruption raises questions about the balance between effective governance and the preservation of democratic norms. Indonesia has a history of authoritarian rule, and the specter of a return to such practices remains a concern for some segments of society. The Jakarta Post reported earlier this year that Prabowo’s administration has already faced scrutiny over the new penal code and its potential impact on free speech, highlighting the ongoing tension between security concerns and civil liberties.
Prabowo’s remarks also come against a backdrop of increasing global instability. Earlier this month, , he addressed a national coordination meeting, warning of the potential for a wider global conflict, including the possibility of nuclear war. While reaffirming Indonesia’s long-held non-alignment foreign policy – “My foreign policy philosophy is 1,000 friends are too few, one enemy is too many” – he cautioned that strict adherence to this principle could leave the country vulnerable. He stated that self-reliance is crucial, noting, “If we want to be truly non-bloc…if we are threatened or attacked, nobody is going to help us.”
This acknowledgement of potential external threats, coupled with the suggestion of a more assertive domestic approach to corruption, suggests a shift in Prabowo’s rhetoric towards a more pragmatic and potentially harder-line stance. The President’s comments at the Bogor meeting, where he spoke before over 4,000 regional and cabinet leaders, underscored his focus on national security and economic development, including flagship programs like free meals for schoolchildren and lactating mothers.
The international implications of Prabowo’s statements are also noteworthy. Indonesia, as the world’s third-largest democracy and a key player in Southeast Asia, plays a significant role in regional stability. Any perceived erosion of democratic principles within Indonesia could have ripple effects throughout the region, potentially emboldening authoritarian tendencies elsewhere. The presence of Western ambassadors at the economic outlook event suggests that these concerns are already being registered by international partners.
The delicate balancing act Prabowo faces – maintaining Indonesia’s democratic credentials while addressing pressing issues like corruption and national security – will likely define his presidency. His administration’s ability to navigate these challenges will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as Indonesia seeks to solidify its position as a leading force in the Asia-Pacific region.
