Prabowo: Do Not Question Military, Police in Farming

President Prabowo Subianto Stands Firm on Military and Police Agricultural Deployment

Tempatdonasi.com – President Prabowo Subianto has publicly defended his administration’s decision to integrate law enforcement and military personnel into Indonesia’s agricultural sector. During a recent address, the head of state made it clear that the deployment of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) to farming activities should no longer face public scrutiny or doubt.

The Gerindra Party chairperson expressed frustration with what he perceives as unnecessary questioning of his policy decisions. He emphasized that citizens should accept the initiative without overanalyzing its purpose or methodology.

Addressing Public Concerns

Speaking at a harvest celebration held at the Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Base in Malang, East Java, on Friday, July 17, 2026, Prabowo directly addressed critics who question the presence of uniformed personnel in agricultural settings. According to reports from the Presidential Secretariat, the president stated:

“There is no need to overthink it, asking ‘What is this? What procedure is this, why is the military out in the fields? Why are the police planting corn?'”

The president’s remarks came during a ceremony that showcased the collaborative efforts between security forces and local farming communities. His tone suggested that the policy should be viewed as a straightforward solution rather than a complex bureaucratic maneuver.

Food Security as a National Priority

Prabowo articulated that the mobilization of both the police and military into farming operations serves a critical purpose: ensuring Indonesia’s food security. He explained that these security institutions have expanded roles beyond traditional defense and law enforcement duties. According to the president, addressing public challenges—including those related to food supply—falls within their mandate.

The former defense minister highlighted a distinctive characteristic of Indonesia’s security forces compared to their international counterparts. He noted that the TNI and Polri in Indonesia maintain a unique relationship with the citizenry that differs from military and police organizations in other nations.

“We must overcome the people’s difficulties, the TNI and Polri must address these hardships. In other countries, it is your business,”

This statement underscores Prabowo’s vision of security forces as institutions that serve the broader welfare of the population, not merely as protectors against external threats or internal disorder.

Caution to External Observers

The president also issued a gentle warning to international commentators and foreign observers who might offer unsolicited opinions on Indonesia’s domestic policies. He suggested that external parties should refrain from excessive interference in matters that concern the TNI and Polri.

“Do not interfere too much in our affairs, alright? You don’t pity us either,”

This remark reflected Prabowo’s desire for Indonesia to maintain sovereignty over its policy decisions without undue external judgment.

Nationwide Harvest Festival Initiative

Earlier this week, the president inaugurated coordinated harvest festivals spanning 43 locations across the archipelago. These celebrations focused on three major crops: sugarcane, soybeans, and rice. The initiative represents a central element of the government’s comprehensive food security strategy.

The program has attracted active participation from all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their involvement demonstrates the scale of the government’s commitment to leveraging institutional resources for agricultural development.

In his speech, Prabowo praised the integrated approach to organizing the harvest festivals. He characterized these activities as evidence that food security extends beyond the responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture alone. Instead, he described it as a national movement that harnesses the collective capabilities of the entire country.

“I deeply appreciate the spirit of unity, collaboration, and mutual cooperation by all components of the nation,”

Honoring Indonesia’s Agricultural Heroes

During the same event, Prabowo emphasized the importance of ensuring that farmers achieve prosperity through high incomes. He publicly recognized farmers and fishermen as the genuine heroes who sustain the nation by providing essential staple foods to the population.

“Thank you to Indonesia’s farmers and fishermen, you are the real heroes who produce food for us all,”

The president’s words served as both appreciation and a call to action for continued support of Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to this article.