Prabowo Warns Ministers: Three Strikes and You’re Out
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has warned that he will not hesitate to reshuffle ministers or officials who defy his orders or act against the public interest, asserting that his administration prioritizes discipline, honesty, and service to the people.
The president delivered the statement during his scientific oration at the inauguration and graduation ceremony of Universitas Kebangsaan Republik Indonesia (UKRI) at Trans Convention Bandung on Saturday, Oct 18, 2025.
In his address, Prabowo urged Indonesia’s younger generation to be courageous and righteous leaders who love their people and stay true to integrity. He emphasized that a true leader must have the courage to stand against corruption and uphold justice.
“I have never been afraid of corruptors. I always feel sympathy for the people,” Prabowo said, reminding his audience that leadership demands both moral strength and compassion.
He highlighted the Free Nutritious Meal (Makan Bergizi Gratis, or MBG) program as a key example of policies that directly benefit citizens. The initiative, he said, has reached more than 36 million beneficiaries nationwide, while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across 12,205 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) or MBG kitchens.
“The program also empowers farmers, fishermen, and small businesses that supply food ingredients to the kitchens. This is no small achievement, and the world is talking about it,” Prabowo said.
He stressed that national programs must be executed optimally and receive full budgetary support if they truly serve the public interest. Any official who attempts to manipulate funds or undermine public welfare, he warned, will face consequences.
“If there are one or two naughty ones, I will warn them. If they remain stubborn after three warnings, then what else can I do? Reshuffle. They must be replaced,” Prabowo said firmly.
The president underscored that compassion must be reserved for the people, not for underperforming or dishonest officials. “We must not pity those who fail to carry out their duty. The ones who deserve our sympathy are the Indonesian people. I don’t mind being disliked, as long as my people are not,” he added.
Prabowo also reminded his cabinet to handle welfare program budgets with great caution, reiterating that any form of misappropriation would not be tolerated. “If there are thieves, manipulators, greedy liars, I will warn them — be careful, you have too much money. I will face these corruptors head-on. I believe the Indonesian people stand behind me,” he declared.