Politics · Indonesia · 15 hrs ago
Prabowo Says Paid Online Campaigners Attack Him and Urges Political Reform
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto says online campaigners target him nightly, and he claims wealthy backers pay for the attacks.
Speaking in Palu, Central Sulawesi, he said the funding was intended to divide the country.
He argued that democracy must not be controlled by wealthy interests, which he said may use money obtained unlawfully.
Prabowo said he has discussed reforming Indonesia’s political system with party leaders, who he said understand that change is needed.
He cited reports that running for local office can cost tens or even hundreds of billions of rupiah, while a parliamentary seat may cost 40 billion or 50 billion rupiah, without guaranteeing victory.
Political leaders now face calls to correct the system, though Prabowo did not set out specific next steps.
President Prabowo Subianto said online campaigners attack him every night and alleged that wealthy financiers pay for the campaigns.
He said the financiers want to divide Indonesia by spending large sums to mobilize campaigners.
Prabowo called for political reform and said democracy should not be controlled by people with money.
He said he had discussed changes to the political system with political party leaders and urged them to act.
He cited reports that candidates may need to spend tens or hundreds of billions of rupiah to run for office, without certainty of winning.
- Who
- President Prabowo Subianto spoke about the attacks and political reform.
- What
- He alleged that wealthy financiers pay online campaigners to attack him and urged changes to Indonesia’s political system.
- When
- 14 November, according to the article.
- Where
- At the opening of the Tanwir and 114th anniversary event of Muhammadiyah in Palu, Central Sulawesi.
- Why
- He said the spending was being used to divide Indonesia and warned that money could control democracy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Prabowo said he had spoken with political party leaders about improving Indonesia’s political system.
At a Muhammadiyah event in Palu, Prabowo said campaigners attack him every night and alleged that wealthy financiers pay for them.
- Event date
- 14 November
- Event location
- Palu, Central Sulawesi
- Regent campaign spending cited
- Tens of billions of rupiah
- Legislative candidate spending cited
- Rp40 billion to Rp50 billion
- Regent spending cited in some places
- Rp100 billion may not guarantee victory
What people are saying
We were confused: why were there so many campaigners, attacking every night? It turned out big money was financing all of it.
We want democracy, but not a democracy that can ultimately be bought, held hostage, and controlled by those who have money.
How can someone have to spend tens of billions of rupiah to become a regent?
I have spoken with the party leaders: are we brave enough to make improvements?