TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto claimed that some people participating in public demonstrations do not fully understand the issues they are protesting and are instead paid to join the rallies.
However, Prabowo did not elaborate on which demonstrations he was referring to or identify those allegedly funding the protesters.
He made the remarks while attending the closing ceremony of the 17th National Farmers and Fishermen's Week in Gorontalo Regency on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Speaking before the audience, Prabowo recounted what he described as an exchange with a demonstrator who could not explain the purpose of the protest.
“When asked about the demonstration, they didn’t understand. ‘What are you demonstrating for?’” Prabowo said. “They answered, ‘Umm... We were paid Rp200,000.’”
The president then issued a warning to those he claimed were financing the rallies. According to Prabowo, he knows who is behind the funding of the demonstrations.
“I know all of that. They don’t like Prabowo because Prabowo understands,” he said. “Be careful. I am warning them. I know who is funding the demonstrations. I know that.”
Prabowo suggested that the individuals behind the alleged funding were people opposed to him, although he did not provide further details or evidence to support the claim.
During the same event, Prabowo also called on Indonesians to continue supporting the government, likening national unity to the support football fans show for their favorite teams.
“When we are watching a match, we become supporters. We cheer for one team, saying, ‘Let’s go, let’s go,’” he said. “Our country is competing with many other nations. This nation should be united.”
Prabowo argued that while criticism and corrections are important, they should not discourage the government while it is carrying out its programs and policies.
“If something is lacking, if our friends or our team are not performing well, we should still support them,” he said. “After the match is over, then we can make corrections.”
Continuing the football analogy, Prabowo said it would be counterproductive to criticize players while they are still on the field.
“Don’t shout, ‘Wrong, idiot,’ while the game is still being played,” he said. “If players are jeered in the middle of the match, it seems as though we are not proud of what our own nation has achieved.”
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