Intan Setiawanty – Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) criticized President Prabowo Subianto's speech at the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Friday, August 15, which touched on his commitment to eradicating corruption.
In his state address, Prabowo asserted his government's commitment to eradicating natural resource mafia and corruption. He also promised impartial law enforcement against corrupt officials.
Prabowo emphasized the need to be brave enough to recognize the ills within our bodies. He also stated that he would save the people, defend their interests, and ensure they do not fall victim to economic greed.
Nisa Zonzoa, Coordinator of ICW's Public Education Division, stated that the content of Prabowo's speech contradicted the real situation. "To this day, corruptors still control the country, the people are increasingly marginalized, policies are increasingly biased against the people, and law enforcement is being compromised for the benefit of political elites, ultimately eroding the value of justice," said Nisa in a press release on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
ICW highlighted government measures that actually undermine efforts to eradicate corruption. One example is the granting of amnesty and amnesty to corruption defendants Hasto Kristiyanto and Tom Lembong on July 31.
"Granting amnesty and amnesty before the legal process has taken effect can be seen as dangerous political intervention in anti-corruption law enforcement and creates the impression of arbitrary action," said Eva Nurcahyani, staff member of ICW's Public Education Division.
ICW also noted that court sentences for corruptors over the past nine years have averaged only 3 years and 7 months. From 2015 to 2023, 682 defendants were acquitted or released, with total state losses reaching IDR 92 trillion.
"The stalled deliberations and ratification of the Asset Confiscation Bill are a strong signal that the government is not on the side of the people's interests," wrote ICW.
ICW concluded its statement by reminding us of Tan Malaka's message that independence is not a gift, but the result of struggle. "True independence only exists when the people have the courage to think, speak out, and fight against all forms of oppression."
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2040947/icw-prabowos-speech-on-corruption-eradication-contradicting-realit