Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto delivered a fiery and impassioned speech at the 27th anniversary celebration of the National Awakening Party (PKB) on Wednesday night (July 23), crediting the party and the broader Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) community for instilling in him the moral strength to stand firm in the face of national challenges.
In his remarks at the Jakarta Convention Center, the President spoke candidly about the emotional and political boost he receives from grassroots support, particularly from religious leaders, farmers, and laborers.
“Thank you, PKB,” Prabowo began. “What the Syuro Council and PKB leadership have done tonight is give me a shot of courage.”
“I was honestly feeling worn out—‘Gus, I’m tired’—but then I heard: ‘PKB? Tonight? Really? I have to give a speech?’ So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll keep it short, just a couple of pages.’ I had the text prepared, just two pages, I could’ve finished by now if I had stuck to it. But seeing all of you here tonight? Well… I had no choice. Especially after that shot of courage,” he added with a smile.
Prabowo emphasized that with NU and PKB backing him, and with the people—farmers and workers—by his side, he has no reason to be afraid.
“PKB, Nahdlatul Ulama stand behind me. The farmers are over here. The workers are over there. So why should I be afraid? Why should I hesitate?” he declared to enthusiastic applause.
The President acknowledged that he prefers diplomacy and calm governance, but said he is often compelled to take firm action due to persistent misconduct in the economy.
“I actually want to keep things peaceful. I’ve given warning after warning—‘clean up your act,’ I’ve said. Run your businesses properly, pay your taxes, make an honest profit. Don’t cheat.”
He cited repeated violations such as underfilled cooking oil bottles and repackaged subsidized rice sold as premium—offenses he described as outright theft from the people.
“This isn’t just bad business—it’s robbing the rakyat,” he said.
Prabowo’s message was clear: his administration is ready to take a firm stand against injustice and economic exploitation. And with the backing of the people, particularly from NU’s broad and influential base, he made it known that he is prepared to face down any challenge without fear.
