Sultan Abdurrahman, Jakarta – In his state of the nation address at the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), President Prabowo Subianto said he wants to continue receiving criticism from non-governmental groups. He emphasized that criticism is vital for the government, even if it can be uncomfortable.
"Criticism can be painful sometimes, but that is fine. Don't stop criticizing," Prabowo said during his address at the Parliament Complex, Nusantara Building, Jakarta, on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The president reiterated his goal of improving public welfare and called on all elements of society to unite and work together. He also urged members of the ruling coalition to be bold in monitoring and correcting the government's work, adding that no coalition member should consider themselves above the law.
On another occasion, Prabowo accused foreign actors of funding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to create division in Indonesia. Speaking at the commemoration of Pancasila Birth Day at the Pancasila Building on Monday, June 2, 2025, he said such division benefits foreign powers that do not want to see Indonesia advance.
Luluk Nur Hamidah, Chair of the Central Leadership Council (DPP) of the National Awakening Party (PKB), criticized Prabowo's statement. She argued that in a democracy, NGOs are not a threat but a vital part of a healthy civil society.
"They play an important role in reminding the government, protecting citizens' rights, and ensuring those in power remain accountable," Luluk said in a written statement on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid also responded, saying the true threat to Indonesia is not foreign-funded NGOs but political elites suspected of corruption.
"Moral corruption turns the nation's and the state's interests into personal gain for families, relatives, and cronies. This is carried out by corrupt political elites," Usman said in a written statement on the same day.
– Eka Yudha Saputra, Hendrik Yaputra, Daniel Ahmad Fajri, and Alfitria Nefi P contributed to the writing of this article.