Speech of President Prabowo Subianto at the Plenary Session of the MPR RI for the Inauguration of the President and Vice President-Elect for the 2024-2029 Term, October 20, 2024
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Peace be upon us all,
Shalom,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Salam Kebajikan,
Rahayu, Rahayu.
Honorable and esteemed,
The President of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2014-2024 term, Mr. Ir. Joko Widodo, and Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo;
The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2019-2024 term, Mr. Prof. Dr. KH. Ma’ruf Amin, and Ibu Hj. Wuri Estu Ma’ruf Amin;
The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2024-2029 term, Brother Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ibu Selvi Ananda Putri;
The 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. General TNI (Ret.) Prof. Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono;
The 6th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. General TNI (Ret.) Try Sutrisno;
The 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. H. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla;
The 11th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prof. Dr. Budiono;
Ibu Dra. Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid;
Ibu Soraya Hamzah Haz;
The Chairperson of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Mr. Ahmad Muzani, and the honorable Deputy Chairpersons of the People’s Consultative Assembly;
The Chairperson and the Deputy Chairpersons of the House of Representatives (DPR);
The Chairperson and the Deputy Chairpersons of the Regional Representative Council (DPD);
The Heads of State Institutions;
The Chairpersons of political parties:
The Chairperson of Golkar Party, Brother Dr. Bahlil Lahadalia;
The Chairperson of Gerindra Party, represented by Hashim Djojohadikusumo;
The Chairperson of Nasdem Party, Mr. Dr. Drs. H. Surya Paloh;
The Chairperson of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Mr. Dr. Drs. H. Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar;
The President of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), Mr. H. Ahmad Syaikhu;
The Chairperson of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Mr. Dr. H. Zulkifli Hasan;
The Chairperson of the Democratic Party, Brother Dr. H. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono;
The Chairperson and members of the General Elections Commission, the Chairperson of the General Election Supervisory Agency, the Chairperson of the Honorary Council of Election Organizers;
The Attorney General, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Chief of the National Police, and the Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces;
Brother Anies Rasyid Baswedan, Brother Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Brother Ganjar Pranowo, and Brother Prof. Dr. Mahfud MD, as presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the recent 2024 presidential election;
Brothers and sisters from the media, both domestic and international;
Distinguished guests, and especially my beloved fellow citizens of Indonesia,
My fellow countrymen and women, wherever you may be.
As devout individuals, let us never cease to offer our praise and gratitude to the Almighty God that we are granted good health and can attend this esteemed assembly, fulfilling our constitutional duties in a peaceful and orderly manner.
My brothers and sisters,
Today, we are honored by a very significant event—the Inauguration of the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia. Today, we are graced by the presence of 19 heads of state and government, along with 15 special envoys from other friendly nations. These distinguished figures have traveled great distances amid their busy schedules. Amid the many challenges they face, they have come here to honor the people and nation of Indonesia.
And for this, on behalf of the entire nation and people of Indonesia, I extend my highest gratitude and appreciation to all the heads of government, heads of state, and representatives of friendly nations who are present here today.
I would like to respectfully acknowledge and honor the following:
His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Paduka Sri Baginda Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien;
His Excellency President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and Mrs. Louise Araneta Marcos;
His Excellency Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet;
His Excellency Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Han Duck-soo;
His Excellency Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Haji Anwar Ibrahim;
His Excellency Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, MP;
His Excellency Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Milos Vucevic;
His Excellency Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, and Mrs. Loo Tze Lui;
His Excellency Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele, MP;
His Excellency Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, Xanana Gusmao;
His Excellency Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, and Mrs. Marine Justine Salwai;
His Excellency Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, Han Zheng;
Her Excellency Vice President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Pany Yathotou;
Her Excellency Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan;
His Excellency First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov;
His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Qatar, Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah;
His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Australia, Richard Marles, MP;
His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters;
His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of the Kingdom of Thailand, Suriya Jungrungreangkit;
Special Envoy and Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Christian Wulff;
Special Envoy of the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Adel al-Jubeir;
Special Envoy of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan;
Special Envoy of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Minister of Religious Endowments, His Excellency Osama Al Azhary;
Special Envoy of the President of Türkiye, Minister of Defense, His Excellency General Yasar Guler;
Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, His Excellency David Lammy, MP;
Special Envoy of the President of the United States, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Her Excellency Linda Thomas Greenfield;
Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Muhammad Abdulsalam;
Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Pabitra Margherita;
Special Envoy of the Kingdom of Jordan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Dr. Nancy Namrouqa;
Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Komura Masahiko;
Special Envoy of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy, Deputy Minister of Defense, His Excellency Matteo Perego di Cremnago;
Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific of the Prime Minister of Canada, His Excellency Ian McKay;
Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic, Special Envoy for ASEAN, His Excellency Francois Corbin.
I extend my respect and honor to all the ambassadors and representatives of friendly nations.
On behalf of the people of Indonesia, I would like to thank you for your distinguished presence. You honor us by coming all the way in the midst of a very busy schedule to grace us with your presence in our moment of constitutional sovereignty.
Ladies and gentlemen,
A few moments ago, before this honorable assembly, before the entire Indonesian people, and most importantly before Almighty God, Allah SWT, I, Prabowo Subianto, along with Brother Gibran Rakabuming Raka, have taken an oath to uphold our constitution, to implement all the laws and regulations in force, and to serve the country and the nation. We will carry out this oath to the best of our ability, with full responsibility and with all the strength of our soul and body. We will lead the government of the Republic of Indonesia, leading the nation and people of Indonesia with sincerity, prioritizing the interests of all Indonesians, including those who did not vote for us. We will prioritize the interests of the Indonesian nation, the interests of the Indonesian people above all else, above all groups, and certainly above our personal interests.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The challenges, obstacles, and threats faced by the Indonesian people amidst the dynamics and turmoil of the world are not light. We understand that the blessings bestowed upon us by the Almighty are truly great and diverse. We have vast land and sea territories, we possess immense natural wealth, and we understand that these resources are vital for human life in the 21st century and beyond. However, amidst these blessings and strengths, which indeed should make us face the future with optimism, we must also bravely confront the obstacles, challenges, threats, and difficulties that lie ahead. I always encourage my fellow countrymen and women to be a brave nation, a nation that does not fear challenges, obstacles, or threats.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our history is a history full of heroism, sacrifice, and courage—not only from our leaders but from the bravery of our people in facing all challenges, even invasions from other nations.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We understand that our independence was not a gift; it was won through great sacrifice. We must always remember that the greatest sacrifices were made by our people, by the poorest among us, the “wong cilik” who fought, who fed the fighters. Let us not forget that during the war for independence, we had no budget, no state revenue. Our soldiers were not paid. Who fed them? It was the farmers in the villages, the fishermen, the workers—those who continuously supported the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia.
Now, I call upon all of you, especially the leadership from intellectuals, religious leaders, business people, political leaders, youth, and students, let us bravely face these challenges.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The significant challenges we face originate both from outside our borders and, admittedly, from within ourselves. We must be courageous enough to recognize that many difficulties and obstacles arise because we are sometimes careless, sometimes not skilled in managing our own wealth.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let us have the courage to introspect, to look at ourselves honestly, and to improve ourselves. We must dare to correct our own mistakes.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We must face the reality that there is still too much waste, too much deviation, too much corruption in our country. This threatens our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. We must acknowledge that there are still many leaks in our budget, many deviations, collusions between political officials and government officials at all levels with unscrupulous businessmen who are not patriotic. We should not be afraid to face this reality. We still see many of our brothers and sisters who have not enjoyed the fruits of independence. Too many of our people are still living below the poverty line, too many children go to school without breakfast, too many children do not have proper clothes to wear to school.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As political leaders, we should not be overly satisfied by statistics that make us too quick to celebrate, too quick to feel content when we haven’t seen the full picture. We may feel proud that we are recognized as part of the G20, proud that we are labeled as the 16th largest economy in the world. But are we truly aware? Do we truly see the full picture of our situation? Do we realize that poverty in Indonesia is still too high? Do we realize that many of our people and children are malnourished? Many of our people do not have decent jobs. Many of our schools are neglected. Ladies and gentlemen, we must have the courage to face these realities and to solve these problems.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I urge all of us to have the courage to face reality. We can be proud of our achievements, but let us not become complacent or too quickly satisfied. Let us not turn a blind eye or close our hearts to the challenges and suffering of our fellow citizens.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We must not behave like an ostrich that buries its head in the sand when it encounters something unpleasant. Let us face threats and dangers with courage, and bravely confront the difficulties that lie ahead. Let us come together, unite, and seek solutions to overcome the threats and dangers we face.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I have declared that Indonesia must achieve food self-sufficiency in the shortest time possible. We cannot remain dependent on external food sources. In times of crisis or emergency, no one will allow us to purchase their goods. Therefore, there is no other way; we must, in the shortest time possible, achieve food security. We must be able to produce and meet the food needs of all Indonesians. I have studied this with experts who are assisting me, and I am confident that within four to five years, we can achieve food self-sufficiency. In fact, we are ready to become the world’s food hub.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We must also achieve energy self-sufficiency. In times of tension, in the possibility of wars breaking out, we must prepare for the worst-case scenario: other countries will prioritize their own interests. If such a situation arises, it will be difficult for us to obtain energy resources from other nations. Therefore, we must achieve energy self-sufficiency, and I am certain we have the capability to do so.
We have been blessed by Almighty God with plants that allow us not to depend on other nations. Plants like palm oil can produce diesel and gasoline. We also have other crops such as cassava, sugarcane, sago, corn, and others. In addition, we have abundant geothermal energy, vast coal reserves, and significant hydropower potential. Ladies and gentlemen, the government that I will lead will focus on achieving energy self-sufficiency.
We must also manage our water resources well. Alhamdulillah, we have sufficient water sources, and we now possess the technology to produce affordable water to meet our needs.
Ladies and gentlemen,
All subsidies and aid for our people who are still struggling must be ensured to reach those in need. We must be brave enough to review and, if necessary, adjust these subsidies to directly target the families who need them. With digital technology, we can ensure that subsidies reach every family in need. No aid should be diverted or fail to reach those who truly require it.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our children must have access to nutritious meals at least once a day, and we will ensure that this happens. We can do it, ladies and gentlemen. In addition, to protect and uplift the most vulnerable among us towards true prosperity, we must engage in downstream processing of all the commodities we have. The added value from these commodities must strengthen our economy, allowing our people to achieve a prosperous standard of living. All our commodities must benefit the entire population of Indonesia.
As I have said, we must have the courage to confront and eradicate corruption through system improvements, strict law enforcement, and digitalization. InsyaAllah, we will significantly reduce corruption. However, this requires all leaders to lead by example, following the principle of Ing Ngarso Sung Tulodo.
Ladies and gentlemen,
There is a saying that when a fish starts to rot, it rots from the head. All officials, at every level and in every echelon, must lead by example and ensure that governance is carried out in the cleanest and most honest manner. It must start with leadership from the top, followed by firm and strict law enforcement.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We all believe and are confident that we will have the strength to eradicate poverty from the land of Indonesia. It is a difficult goal, and many may even say it is impossible.
Ladies and gentlemen,
A brave and good leader is called to face the impossible and find a way to overcome it. A courageous nation is one that can turn the impossible into the possible.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the midst of these great aspirations, which we long for, we need an atmosphere of unity, togetherness, and collaboration. We do not need endless conflicts. We need leaders who do not engage in insults, leaders who are wise, who understand and love the culture and history of our nation, who take pride in our traditions and customs. From the beginning, the thoughts, desires, and blueprints of our nation’s founders were to create a democratic society. We place the sovereignty of the people at the highest level, as stated in our founding ideology, Pancasila. The concept of democracy is the cornerstone of the five principles we uphold: “Democracy led by the wisdom of deliberation and representation.”
We desire a life of democracy, but let us be aware that our democracy must be unique to Indonesia, a democracy suited to our nation, rooted in our history and culture. Our democracy must be a respectful democracy, where differences of opinion do not lead to enmity. A democracy where constructive criticism does not result in insults, where competition does not lead to hatred, and where contests are free from deceit. Our democracy must avoid violence, avoid sowing discord, avoid inciting conflict. Our democracy must be a cool democracy, a peaceful democracy, a democracy that shuns hypocrisy.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Only through unity and cooperation can we achieve the aspirations of our ancestors—building a nation that is Gemah Ripah Loh Jinawi, a nation of Toto Tentrem Kertoraharjo, a nation that is Baldatun Toyyibatun Warobbun Ghofur—where the people have enough food, clothing, and shelter. Our dream is to see the wong cilik (common people) smile and laugh, living in joy.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We must remember that power belongs to the people. Sovereignty is the sovereignty of the people. We hold power with the permission of the people. We must exercise power for the benefit of the people. We must always remember that every leader, at every level, must always bear in mind that our work is for the people, not for ourselves, not for our relatives, not for our superiors. Leaders must work for the people.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We must always understand and be aware that a free nation is one where its people are free. The people must be free from fear, free from poverty, free from hunger, free from ignorance, free from oppression, and free from suffering.
Ladies and gentlemen,
There are still some of our brothers and sisters, over 70 years old, who are forced to work as rickshaw drivers. This is not the sign of a truly free nation. Only when we can create a situation where our people truly feel and enjoy the freedom will we have the right to be proud of Indonesia’s achievements. Until then, let us work hard, let us strive tirelessly, let us gather and protect our wealth. We must not allow our resources to be taken cheaply by others. Ladies and gentlemen, all of our wealth must be used for the greatest benefit and prosperity of our people.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the history of politics, this is easy to say but not easy to achieve. However, we can achieve it if we unite and work together. Let us build a shared future, let us view each other, even with different ethnicities, religions, political parties, or social groups, as fellow children of Indonesia. Compete in spirit, but after the contest, let us unite once more.
President Joko Widodo defeated me—how many times? I’ve lost count. But after he won, he invited me to unite, and I accepted that invitation. Now I have won, and I invite everyone to unite!
Ladies and gentlemen,
In dealing with the international community, Indonesia chooses the path of free and active non-alignment. We do not wish to join any military pacts. We choose to befriend all nations. I have repeatedly stated that Indonesia will pursue a foreign policy as a country that wants to be a good neighbor. We want to be the good neighbor. We adhere to the ancient philosophy that “a thousand friends are too few, but one enemy is too many.”
Ladies and gentlemen,
We wish to be friends with all countries. However, we have our principles. Our principle is anti-colonialism because we have experienced colonialism. We are against oppression because we have been oppressed. We are against racism and apartheid because we have lived through apartheid. During our time of colonization, we were even ranked lower than dogs. Many inscriptions and signs declared Honden en Inlander Verboden (No dogs and natives allowed). I have seen such signs, even in Manggarai’s swimming pool in 1978.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Because of this, we must stand by our principles. We must be in solidarity and defend the oppressed people of the world. That is why we support the independence of the Palestinian people. The government of President Joko Widodo has already sent much aid. Today, we have medical teams working in Gaza and Rafah under very dangerous conditions. Our doctors and nurses are working there, in collaboration with our brothers from the United Arab Emirates. And we are prepared to send more aid, and we are ready to evacuate those who are injured, children who are traumatized, and other victims. We have prepared our military hospitals, and later other hospitals, to assist our brothers and sisters who are the victims of this unjust war.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We must be grateful to the generation of liberators—Bung Karno, Bung Hatta, and other heroes like I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Kapitan Pattimura, Sultan Hasanuddin, Teuku Umar, Cut Nyak Dien, and many others whose names we cannot mention one by one. These are the people who paid for our freedom with their blood and tears.
We are also thankful to our first President and Proclaimer, Bung Karno, who gave us the state ideology of Pancasila. He was imprisoned and exiled from a young age for fighting for an independent Indonesia, for an Indonesia that would not bleed for other nations. Soekarno, Hatta, Sjahrir, and all of our nation’s founders sacrificed and led us with greatness.
We also owe gratitude to President Soeharto, who played a significant role in safeguarding and securing Pancasila and laying the foundation for a modern Indonesia. We are thankful to President Habibie, who laid the groundwork for us to master science and technology. We are grateful to President Abdurrahman Wahid, who demonstrated religious and ethnic tolerance, upholding an inclusive and tolerant Indonesia. We thank President Megawati for resolving the economic issues following the 1998 financial crash. Under her leadership, many bankrupt companies were restored and saved. We must also thank President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who led Indonesia through a severe crisis, managed the aftermath of the tsunami, and, along with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, resolved the long-standing conflict in Aceh. This is an achievement we must recognize.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Each of these leaders, in their own way, has contributed to what we now enjoy—a unified, sovereign, and independent nation that continues to safeguard and fight for freedom and justice.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Now, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia, President Joko Widodo, and Vice President Prof. Ma’ruf Amin. Thank you for your leadership, thank you for your statesmanship. You have steered this nation through incredibly tough crises. Let us not take today for granted—remember the time of COVID-19. We were even afraid to step outside our homes. I was there, I was one of his ministers. Calls came from all sides, from within and outside the country, pressuring him to impose a lockdown—lockdown, lockdown. But he refused. He thought deeply: if we go into lockdown, what about the wong cilik (common people), what about the small street vendors, the ojol (motorbike taxi drivers), the people who live day-to-day on daily wages? Let us never forget the achievements of our leaders. Thank you, President Jokowi, thank you, Prof. Ma’ruf Amin. You have served this nation, and you will be remembered as among the best sons of Indonesia.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In conclusion, I ask for your blessings and prayers. Let us build Indonesia upon the foundation laid by our predecessors. Let us acknowledge all our shortcomings and improve them. End the grudges, eliminate hatred, build harmony, build mutual cooperation. This is the character of the Indonesian people, this is the teaching of Bung Karno himself.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are ready to continue the baton of leadership. We are ready to work hard towards Indonesia Emas (Golden Indonesia), to become a strong, independent, sovereign, just, and prosperous nation. We do not seek to disturb anyone; we do not wish to trouble any other nation, but we will not allow any nation to disturb us. May God Almighty, the Lord of all worlds, protect us all, and may He guide us in our journey and service to our nation. We also pray to the Almighty that our esteemed guests, those who have traveled from far and wide, may return home safely and continue their friendship with us, dear brothers and sisters.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Peace be upon us all,
Syalom,
Om Santi, Santi, Santi, Om,
Namo Buddhaya,
Rahayu, Rahayu.
Merdeka!
Merdeka!
Merdeka!