Palace Recognizes Prabowo as Architect of ‘Reform Volume II’
Palace Calls Prabowo the Leader of Reform – TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Muhammad Qodari, the head of Indonesia’s Government Communication Bureau, has positioned President Prabowo Subianto as the central figure of a renewed national reform movement. In a recent statement, Qodari emphasized that Prabowo embodies the potential to achieve the objectives of this second phase of reforms, which aim to address systemic issues within the country’s governance. His remarks came in response to recent student-led protests that have been calling for significant changes in economic and political policies.
Reform Vision and Economic Overhaul
Qodari outlined his perspective during a written release issued on Sunday, June 14, 2026. He argued that Prabowo’s leadership is defined by his commitment to restructuring Indonesia’s economic framework, which has traditionally favored a select group of elites. According to Qodari, the president’s efforts mark a pivotal shift toward a more inclusive and equitable system.
“Pak Prabowo is the leader of the second wave of reform because of what he is overhauling regarding the economic structure of Indonesia,”
Qodari stated, highlighting the president’s focus on dismantling practices that have historically allowed a minority to control resources and benefits at the expense of the broader population. He pointed to Prabowo’s initiatives as a direct challenge to the existing power dynamics, emphasizing that his reforms are not just symbolic but substantive.
Legal Action Against Elite Interests
A key example cited by Qodari involves the legal actions taken against prominent figures in the oil sector. He specifically mentioned Mohammad Riza Chalid, an influential oil tycoon whose dominance in the industry had long been seen as unchallenged. Qodari noted that Riza Chalid had been a symbol of impunity for years, but Prabowo’s administration has now shifted the tide.
“The system that allowed certain elites to siphon off state funds. Prabowo is correcting that,”
Qodari explained, underscoring the president’s resolve to hold even powerful entities accountable. This has been exemplified by the arrest of Riza Chalid and the ongoing legal proceedings against his son, who has been detained abroad. The case has drawn significant attention, with many viewing it as a landmark moment in the fight against corruption.
Task Force Targets Illegal Plantations
Another major initiative attributed to Prabowo is the Forest Area Regulation Task Force (PKH), which has been intensively working to rectify issues in the oil palm industry. Qodari claimed that this task force has made substantial progress in addressing illegal plantations, seizing millions of hectares of land that were previously exploited without regulation.
“Who else has reformed the management of our oil palm industry besides Prabowo? It never happened before,”
he asserted, emphasizing the uniqueness of Prabowo’s approach. This effort, according to Qodari, has not only brought transparency to the sector but also restored public trust in the government’s ability to enforce environmental and economic standards.
Uplifting Society and Equity
Qodari also highlighted Prabowo’s role in advancing social equity and economic balance. He stated that the president’s policies reflect a broader vision to uplift marginalized communities and reduce the disparity between the wealthy and the general populace. This, he argued, is a critical component of the second wave of reforms, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more widely.
Student Protests and Reform Demands
The remarks by Qodari followed a series of student demonstrations that have taken place across the nation. These protests, which have been organized under the slogans “Menuju Indonesia Bangkrut” (Towards Indonesia’s Bankruptcy) and “Reform Volume II,” have targeted Prabowo’s flagship programs, alleging that they have led to inefficient use of state resources. Among the most criticized initiatives are the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program and the Red and White Village Cooperative (Koperasi Merah Putih), both of which have drawn scrutiny for their financial implications.
Student leaders have argued that these programs, while well-intentioned, have strained the national budget and failed to deliver sustainable outcomes. They claim that the MBG program, designed to provide meals to students, has been mismanaged, leading to unnecessary expenditures. Similarly, the Red and White Village Cooperative, which aims to support rural communities, has faced criticism for not effectively addressing the needs of its target beneficiaries.
Palace’s Response to Criticism
Despite these criticisms, the palace has defended Prabowo’s policies, framing them as necessary steps toward long-term development. Qodari’s comments suggest that the administration sees the president’s actions as a bold response to entrenched problems, particularly in the economic and legal sectors. He reiterated that Prabowo’s leadership is central to the reform agenda, which seeks to modernize governance and restore public confidence in the country’s institutions.
Qodari also acknowledged the public’s growing awareness of the need for reform, noting that the protests have played a vital role in keeping the government accountable. He emphasized that the movement is not merely about criticism but about driving meaningful change. The student demonstrators, he said, have acted as catalysts for broader societal discourse on economic management and policy implementation.
In addition to the legal and environmental reforms, Qodari mentioned the importance of Prabowo’s leadership in fostering a culture of transparency and integrity. He argued that the president’s initiatives are part of a larger effort to ensure that future economic growth is inclusive and benefits all Indonesians. This vision, according to Qodari, aligns with the goals of the second wave of reform, which he described as a critical turning point for the nation.
As the reform movement gains momentum, the palace continues to reinforce Prabowo’s position as a transformative leader. Qodari’s statements serve as a testament to the administration’s confidence in the president’s ability to navigate complex challenges and implement far-reaching changes. The combination of legal, economic, and social reforms is seen as a comprehensive strategy to address the nation’s deep-rooted issues.
Read more: Palace Rejects Student Demands to Stop Free Meal Program
Stay updated with the latest news from Tempo.CO by following their Google News channel. The ongoing developments in the reform movement and their implications for Indonesia’s future are sure to be a focal point in the coming weeks, as the nation grapples with the challenges and opportunities of this new era.
