President Prabowo asks officials not to mobilize crowds for his visits

President Prabowo Subianto has directed provincial and municipal authorities not to organize large gatherings to welcome him during his regional visits, according to Antara News. Speaking during a mass signing ceremony for subsidized home mortgages under the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) program in Batang, Central Java, on Thursday, Prabowo emphasized that such crowd mobilization was unnecessary and burdensome for citizens. The president reiterated his appreciation for the warmth and enthusiasm of local communities during his travels. However, he stressed that he did not wish for residents to be compelled to attend these events. Prabowo expressed concern over individuals waiting for extended periods in extreme heat simply to catch a glimpse of him. “I am happy to meet people if they genuinely want to welcome me,” he stated. “But if they are mobilized, I feel sorry because they have to wait for hours in the heat.” Prabowo highlighted that the government’s primary responsibility is to serve the public, not to stage elaborate ceremonial welcomes for the head of state. He underscored the importance of focusing on tangible progress and public welfare. “The government's achievements are a source of pride despite ongoing global challenges,” he noted. “What matters is that I believe the people know this government is working sincerely for Indonesia. We have no other interests, and the achievements we have made are truly encouraging despite the many challenges facing the world.” In addition to addressing public service priorities, Prabowo called for greater societal collaboration and national unity in advancing Indonesia’s developmental objectives. He described the country as a collective effort, likening its people to members of a single family aboard a shared vessel, the Republic of Indonesia. “The key is cooperation,” he said. “We are all Indonesians. We are one big family on one great ship called the Republic of Indonesia. Through cooperation, mutual trust, support, and solidarity, we will accomplish great things.” Prabowo’s remarks align with broader initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth through community-based models. Recent reports indicate that the government is exploring partnerships with cooperatives to promote a more inclusive and people-centric economy. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to enhance rural prosperity, with projections suggesting that village-level cooperatives could contribute up to Rp223 trillion ($14 billion) to national economic development. The emphasis on grassroots engagement reflects a shift toward policies that prioritize direct citizen participation and local empowerment. This approach is consistent with Prabowo’s vision of a more resilient and self-sufficient Indonesian society, capable of navigating both domestic and international challenges. As the government continues to implement these reforms, the focus remains on ensuring that public resources and attention are directed toward improving living standards and fostering sustainable development. The president’s directive against large-scale public mobilizations underscores a growing awareness of the potential strain such events can place on ordinary citizens, particularly in times of environmental stress.