Prabowo Highlights Dark Indonesia Narrative: It Is Created by Evil People

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto criticized the narrative of a "Dark Indonesia," which he claims is propagated by malicious individuals.

This statement was made during his speech at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Nasdem Party at Nasdem Tower, Jakarta, on Wednesday (11/11/2026) evening.

"Our nation is rich, trust me. That narrative of Dark Indonesia is evil, created by evil people. And those evil people have been revealed, my friends," Prabowo stated during the anniversary event, as reported by Kompas TV's YouTube broadcast.

Prabowo added that any criticism directed at him as President should be viewed as political rivalry.

Nonetheless, he questioned why certain parties promote this narrative alongside riots and vandalism of public facilities.

"You claim Indonesia is dark. You say Indonesia is in chaos, yet you create the chaos. You burn government offices built with taxpayer money. In my opinion, that is evil," Prabowo remarked.

He emphasized that he would continue to fulfill his duties as Head of State despite facing criticism and insults.

"If we defend the truth, then whatever happens, even if we are insulted and slandered, so be it. I act for my people. I act to safeguard the future of my children," Prabowo said.

"Prabowo Must Not Fail"

Before Prabowo's speech, Nasdem Party Chairman Surya Paloh stressed that Prabowo must not fail in leading Indonesia.

Surya stated that Nasdem is committed to loyalty towards the constitution and the elected leadership.

"President Prabowo must not fail! I say it again, President Prabowo must not fail! Even subsequent presidents after Prabowo must not fail to lead this country," Surya Paloh said in his remarks.

According to Surya, Indonesia possesses numerous significant potentials that should serve as the foundation for realizing the nation's aspirations.

These potentials include a strategic geographic position, abundant mineral resources, population size, as well as climate and soil conditions that are favorable.

However, he believes Indonesia has not yet fully achieved the shared hopes due to excessive national energy being wasted.

"We are wasting too much energy in vain. We get caught up in trivial matters, throwing issues at each other, diminishing our strategic position to face greater challenges, which is our competition with other countries," Surya concluded.