HOLOPIS.COM, JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia’s independence should not be understood merely as the existence of a sovereign state, but also as a responsibility for the government to ensure prosperity and security for all citizens.
Prabowo made the remarks in his state address marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day during the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI) in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Friday (Aug. 14, 2026).
Prabowo said Indonesia’s founding leaders established the republic not simply to ensure that the state continued to exist, but to make sure citizens could feel the government’s presence in their daily lives.
“Eighty-one years ago, our founding fathers entrusted us with a Republic. This Republic was not established merely so that the state would exist. It was established so that the people would never feel alone, so that they would feel the government was by their side,” Prabowo said, Holopis.com reported, Friday (14/8).
He emphasized that the government’s responsibility extends beyond maintaining the country’s existence. It must also ensure that Indonesia develops as a nation while delivering prosperity to its people.
“Our task is not merely to keep the Republic standing. Our task is to ensure that this Republic succeeds as a nation, that it has the ability to be present among its people, and to bring prosperity to all Indonesians,” he said.
Prabowo also called on all elements of Indonesian society to demonstrate that the country’s democratic system can produce tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“Let us prove to the world that our democracy can produce prosperity,” he said.
The President also highlighted the importance of national unity, which he said had long been a central aspiration of Indonesia’s founding leaders, including the country’s first president, Soekarno.
While acknowledging the many differences among Indonesians, Prabowo said diversity should not diminish their shared love for the country.
“We are different, as we can see from our ties, we are different, but we share one love for the Red and White,” he said, referring to Indonesia’s national flag.
Concluding his address, Prabowo urged Indonesians to face the country’s future challenges with optimism, courage, and a positive spirit.
“Happy 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. May Almighty God protect the Indonesian nation as we face difficult times with optimism, joy, and courage,” Prabowo said.
