‘They came for hundreds of years, and they still provoke us,’ Prabowo warns of foreign influence in Indonesia
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for unity in a recent national event in Jakarta marking the birth of Pancasila, Indonesia's state ideology.
He warned of the dangers posed by foreign influences, urging the nation to remain vigilant against external provocations.
"Once again, I call on all Indonesians to stay united. Differences should not become a source of conflict. That is exactly what foreign powers hope for," Prabowo's statement emphasised.
He reminded the audience that Indonesia's long and troubled history with colonisation illustrates ongoing efforts by other nations to create discord.
The minister asserted that some foreign entities continue to finance non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that stir conflict within the nation. "They came for hundreds of years, and they still provoke us. With money, they fund NGOs to incite division," he said.
Despite this, Prabowo clarified that his remarks were not intended to foster animosity towards other countries. Instead, he aimed to alert citizens about potential manipulation. "I am not urging Indonesians to distrust other countries. But we must not allow ourselves to be manipulated," he explained.
He also evoked the wisdom of Indonesia’s founding leaders to underpin his message, encouraging citizens to navigate today’s global challenges responsibly. "We recall what our founding fathers said: the Indonesian people must stand on their own feet," he concluded, reinforcing the need for self-reliance amidst international pressures.
