Prabowo Subianto, the President-elect for the 2024-2029 term, has highlighted the strengthening of democracy in Indonesia, thanks to the advancements in the internet and social media. He emphasized that democracy is fundamentally about the sovereignty of the people, where the power lies with the people to choose their leaders.
In an exclusive interview with tvOne titled “Prabowo Subianto Speaks for Indonesia”, Prabowo explained that Indonesia’s large population necessitates a representative system, where the people have the right to elect their representatives for parliament and leaders in the presidential system.
When questioned about his government’s stance on criticism, Prabowo stressed the importance of objective and constructive criticism as an essential part of the checks and balances in a democratic system. He expressed that criticism is allowed and necessary, as long as it is based on objective grounds.
Prabowo also addressed the issue of press freedom, acknowledging the significance of a free press despite the concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few individuals in Indonesia. He highlighted the need for a diverse range of information sources for the public, especially with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok.
In conclusion, Prabowo expressed his belief that democracy will now be stronger in Indonesia, with the accessibility of information through various media channels. He advocated for a more diverse and inclusive media landscape to prevent a small group of individuals from controlling the nation’s opinion.
