President Prabowo hits out at foreign-funded NGOs for using democracy, rights to 'divide' Indonesia

ISTANBUL

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Monday criticized foreign-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs), saying they are attempting to divide the nation under the guise of promoting democracy, human rights, and press freedom, according to the Jakarta Globe.

“Foreign interference has been going on for hundreds of years and still persists today,” Prabowo said during a ceremony in Jakarta, without naming any specific countries or organizations.

“For hundreds of years, they’ve tried to divide us. Even now, they fund NGOs to pit us against each other, all while claiming to uphold democracy, human rights, and freedom of the press,” he said.

The remarks came during Pancasila Day, observed annually on June 1 to commemorate Indonesia’s founding state ideology, introduced by the country’s first president, Sukarno, in 1945.

The president clarified that he does not oppose international cooperation but urged Indonesians to remain vigilant and self-reliant.

“I’m not calling on Indonesians to be suspicious of foreign nations. But we must not be manipulated by any country. Indonesia must stand on its own feet,” he added.

Prabowo also called for national unity despite the country’s diversity, warning that internal divisions would serve the interests of those seeking to weaken Indonesia.

“I urge all Indonesians to unite. Let us not allow our differences to be a source of conflict. That’s exactly what foreign powers who dislike a strong and prosperous Indonesia want,” he said.