Prabowo: Democracy is the Best Political System

In a special interview with Al Jazeera, Prabowo Subianto expressed his commitment to democracy.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka bid farewell after receiving their appointment letters as elected presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the General Election Commission (KPU) at the KPU Building in Jakarta on Wednesday (24/4/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — President-elect Prabowo Subianto emphasized that democracy is the best political system for Indonesia. Moreover, this system is what the people want.

There are indeed some weaknesses still visible in the implementation of democracy, with Prabowo even calling democratic practices exhausting. However, these problems must be faced and solutions must be found. He also refutes assessments that suggest Indonesia's development of democracy is regressing.

"The democracy system is the desire of Indonesian people. People want a democracy system. Power comes from the people. We lead, we govern with the people's approval," said Prabowo when asked how to ensure protection for the implementation of democracy in Indonesia in a special interview with Al Jazeera released on Sunday (12/5/2024).

Not only that, according to Prabowo, democracy is the best political system. There is no alternative system. As proof of his commitment to democracy, Prabowo mentioned his involvement in four presidential elections.

Also read: PDI-P Reminds Prabowo Not to Anticriticize

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Supporters of presidential and vice presidential candidate number 2, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, enlivened the open campaign rally of the People's Party for Indonesia Maju at the main stadium of Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, on Saturday (10/2/2024).

The Chairman of the Gerindra Party dismisses the assessment that democracy in Indonesia is regressing by stating that the change of government occurs periodically. This applies not only to the central government, but also to regional governments. "We have a living and dynamic democracy," he added.

However, Prabowo stated that he was not satisfied with the existing development of democracy. Democracy in the country is still accompanied by a number of problems.

Even more, he mentioned that democracy in Indonesia is in a hazardous, tiresome, and messy state because of problems such as corruption and economic inequality. "However, that is a problem that we must face," he said.

Assessment of democracy in the homeland has been declining, as evidenced by a number of international reports. The V-Dem Democracy Index 2024 report shows that Indonesia's democracy index decreased from 0.43 in 2022 to 0.36 in 2023. Indonesia's ranking also dropped from 79th to 87th. The decline in the democracy index has even been noticeable throughout the Jokowi government era since 2014. At that time, the democracy index was at 0.52.

The democracy index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit also shows a similar issue. In 2022, Indonesia's democracy index was considered defective due to a stagnant index score in the range of 6.7 over the last decade. In the Southeast Asian region, Indonesia's democracy index ranks fourth, lagging behind Malaysia, Timor Leste, and the Philippines which tend to be on the rise.

Also read: The "Roller Coaster" of Indonesian Democracy

In addition to the commitment to democracy, Prabowo also expressed his commitment to working together with his competitors in the previous presidential election during his interview. He plans to continue this cooperation when he becomes president.

He also expressed his commitment to fulfill his promises during the campaign. This includes groups of people who did not vote for him in the last election.

"I have conveyed (to those who did not vote for me), that I am a person who always keeps my promises, and if you look at social media, many of them are aware that in a democracy, harsh words and criticisms are often part of it. But in the end, I will carry out the mandate given, work for the people, even for those who did not vote for me in the previous election," he said.

Also read: End of Waiting for Prabowo Subianto

KOMPAS/JOHNNY TG

The issue of air pollution is not new. The community has long been threatened by air pollution. There is no shortage of research evidence indicating the threats posed by air pollution's impacts. However, these developments have not been able to stimulate significant efforts to control air pollution. Consequently, residents are increasingly suffering from the challenges posed by prolonged exposure to air pollution. Menhankam/Panglima ABRI General TNI Wiranto, accompanied by the Chairman of the Council of Honor Officers (DKP) General TNI Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, announced the administrative sanctions against Lieutenant General TNI Prabowo Subianto, Major General TNI Muchdi PR, and Colonel (Inf) Chairawan in front of dozens of reporters at the Ministry of Defense in Jakarta, on Monday (24/8/1998).

In the interview, Prabowo also answered concerns that had arisen regarding his track record while still active in the military. Regarding this matter, Prabowo, who is currently still serving as defense minister, emphasized that the people had made their choice in 2024 Election and he was elected as president.

"So, what more worries are there? In every election, my competitors will surely look for my weaknesses. Yes, I was a general. I am proud to have served the nation as a general. I risked my life for the people. I have been accused of many things, that's called demonization, character assassination, which are indeed part of politics. I face it all. Those accusations are entirely insulting and very wrong, but that's only part of the game," he explained.

In 1998, Prabowo had to leave military service. The reason was based on considerations from the Officer Honor Council regarding the abduction of pro-democracy activists during the Reform era.