Prabowo Asks Journalists to Leave During Speech to Academics

Prabowo Requests Journalists to Depart Amid Address to Academic Community

Tempatdonasi.com – On Friday, June 26, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto took an unexpected step during his keynote address at the Science, Technology, and Industry Convention held at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JCC). As thousands of academics gathered to engage in discussions on national priorities, Prabowo invited journalists to leave the room, creating a more intimate setting for his speech. The move, which occurred midway through his remarks, sparked curiosity and debate about the transparency of his administration’s communication strategies.

Event Context and Media Access

The convention, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), was designed to foster collaboration between experts and policymakers. Initially, the event allowed media coverage for the first 30 minutes, giving journalists a chance to document the proceedings. However, Prabowo’s decision to ask them to exit marked a shift in the agenda, emphasizing his desire for direct engagement with the academic audience.

During the session, Prabowo outlined key themes, including the role of higher education in shaping Indonesia’s economic resilience and the importance of international partnerships. He highlighted how academia could drive innovation and address national challenges, positioning it as a cornerstone of progress. Yet, his actions during the speech underscored a more strategic approach to communication, where the presence of journalists might influence the message.

Prabowo’s Public Remarks

Prabowo began his address by expressing appreciation for the gathering, then transitioned into his request. “With all due respect, I invite the journalists to have coffee outside,” he said, gesturing toward the hall’s entrance. “I believe Mr. Brian has prepared good coffee for you.” His tone was polite yet decisive, suggesting a balance between acknowledging the media’s role and asserting control over the narrative.

“Journalists, with all due respect, media colleagues, today I want to speak heart to heart with the professors,” Prabowo added, as he motioned for the attendees to remain. This statement reflected his intent to create an environment free from external scrutiny, allowing for candid dialogue with the academic community.

The Gerindra Party leader’s rationale centered on the belief that academics should be the primary focus of his message. “Academics are among the most important assets of a country,” he asserted. “If a nation seeks progress, it must harness the potential and expertise of its universities.” By isolating the discussion, Prabowo aimed to ensure that the insights shared with the audience were unfiltered and aligned with his vision for national development.

Strategies for Economic Self-Reliance

The convention, titled “National Dialogue,” was a platform for exploring strategies to achieve Indonesia’s economic self-reliance and prosperity. Prabowo emphasized that his administration had already integrated academics into policymaking, citing initiatives to bridge the gap between research and practical governance. He argued that unity among leaders and elites was critical to advancing these goals, a theme that resonated throughout his address.

While the closed session allowed for deeper conversations, Prabowo also highlighted the value of media engagement. He acknowledged that journalists play a vital role in informing the public, yet he believed that certain topics required more discretion. “In this room, we can discuss data and insights without the pressure of immediate headlines,” he said, as he shared findings from his government’s research efforts.

Supporting Figures in Attendance

Notable government officials attended the event, including Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Their presence underscored the significance of the gathering, which brought together policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders to address pressing national issues.

Prabowo’s choice to exclude journalists for part of the speech raised questions about his approach to public relations. While some viewed it as a way to foster authenticity, others speculated that it might be a tactic to manage media narratives. Regardless of interpretation, the move demonstrated his commitment to prioritizing academic input in shaping policy decisions.

Following the address, the convention continued with sessions on technological advancements and industry growth. Attendees were encouraged to participate in workshops and panel discussions, further reinforcing the event’s goal of uniting diverse perspectives. Prabowo’s temporary absence from the public eye, however, left room for speculation about the content of the private dialogue and its implications for upcoming legislative efforts.

Historical Precedents and Media Response

This incident echoes previous instances where Prabowo has adjusted media access during major events. In 2024, he had requested that reporters step back during a summit with business leaders, citing the need for uninterrupted exchanges. While such decisions are not uncommon in political discourse, the timing and context of this one—occurring just days after a significant push by President Jokowi to secure a second term—added to its prominence.

Observers noted that Prabowo’s strategy aligns with his broader campaign to position himself as a leader who values direct engagement with experts. By inviting journalists outside, he created a space where academics could hear his message without the presence of media commentators, potentially enhancing the clarity and impact of his speech. Nonetheless, the move also sparked discussions about the balance between transparency and control in political communication.

Broader Implications for Governance

Prabowo’s actions were seen as a reflection of his administration’s priorities, particularly in fostering collaboration between the government and academic institutions. He argued that universities must be treated as key partners, not just as sources of information. “If a country wants to rise and advance, it must utilize and mobilize the potential of its campuses and universities,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for academic contributions to national strategies.

As the convention progressed, attendees expressed mixed reactions. Some academics praised Prabowo for his openness, while others questioned whether the exclusion of journalists was a fair approach to media coverage. Despite these concerns, the event remained a critical platform for shaping Indonesia’s future, with its three-day format designed to address a wide range of topics from science to industry.

Prabowo’s speech also touched on the importance of international relations in achieving economic goals. He highlighted how global partnerships could complement domestic efforts, ensuring that Indonesia remains competitive in the global market. This vision, however, was presented in a more focused manner during the private session, suggesting that certain ideas were reserved for discussions with trusted advisors.

In conclusion, the decision to ask journalists to leave during the convention underscored Prabowo’s emphasis on direct communication with the academic community. While the media’s role was acknowledged, the temporary exclusion highlighted his belief in the importance of candid dialogue. As the event concluded, the audience left with a clearer understanding of the administration’s goals, though the media’s perspective on the proceedings remained a subject of ongoing analysis.

Related Developments

Amid the convention, the government’s response to Jokowi’s bid for a second term was a recurring topic of discussion. Prabowo’s actions were interpreted by some as a deliberate effort to strengthen his position in the upcoming political landscape, while others saw it as a natural extension of his leadership style. The event also provided an opportunity for officials to showcase the nation’s progress in science and technology, aligning with the broader theme of economic self-reliance.

As the three-day convention drew to a close, participants expressed optimism about the potential for academic collaboration to drive national development. Prabowo’s address, whether viewed as a strategic move or a genuine desire for open dialogue, was a pivotal moment in the event’s proceedings. The way forward, he suggested, lies in uniting intellectual and political forces to achieve shared objectives, a message that resonated with many attendees.

The incident has since been cited in media analyses and political commentary, highlighting the evolving dynamics between leaders and the press. As Indonesia continues to navigate its path toward economic independence, such decisions by Prabowo underscore the importance of fostering environments where critical ideas can be explored without external interference. The event’s legacy, therefore, extends beyond its immediate discussions, shaping the narrative around leadership and governance in the country’s future direction.