Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto spoke on Western democracy and human rights while addressing a Golkar Party anniversary event in Jakarta on Friday, December 5, 2025. The head of state said the floods and landslides that devastated Sumatra serve as a test for Indonesia.

But Prabowo claimed Indonesia is strong and capable of solving its own problems. Indonesia, he said, must have a distinctive political style instead of mirroring other countries'.

"We can't imitate the political style of other countries, as Western democracy may not ot follow the politics of other countries, as Western democracy may not be suitable for us," said Prabowo, as quoted on the Golkar Central Leadership YouTube channel.

Prabowo also made snide remarks about Western countries lecturing about democracy while colonizing Indonesia for hundreds of years. He also quipped about how Western nations preach human rights, while committing violations themselves.

"So it appears that democracy and human rights are based on preferences. They're only fussy if it suits their style," he said.

Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia must believe in its own strength and avoid being steered by other nations.

This was not the first time Prabowo has mentioned Indonesia's democracy. In his inaugural speech on October 20, 2024, Prabowo mentioned the concept of democracy that he believed in.

At that time, Prabowo said the nation's founders wanted Indonesia to be a democratic country. "But let us realize that our democracy must be unique to Indonesia, suitable for our nation," said Prabowo in his inaugural speech at the Nusantara Building of the MPR/DPR/DPD, Jakarta on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

– Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2071414/prabowo-western-democracy-may-be-unfit-for-indonesi