Prabowo Subianto, who will assume the role of President for the 2024-2029 term, has highlighted the strengthening of democracy in Indonesia, attributing it to the advancements in internet and social media. He emphasized that democracy is fundamentally about the people’s sovereignty, where they have the power to select their leaders.
In an exclusive interview with tvOne titled “Prabowo Subianto Speaks for Indonesia”, Prabowo explained the importance of a representative system in Indonesia due to its large population. He underscored that the people have the right to choose their representatives in parliament and also to elect their president, regent, and governor.
When questioned about his government’s response to criticism, Prabowo emphasized the necessity of objective and constructive criticism for maintaining checks and balances. He affirmed that criticism is vital for a healthy democracy, provided it is based on objective grounds.
Prabowo also touched upon the significance of press freedom, expressing concerns about mainstream media being controlled by a few individuals who may prioritize their own interests over the public’s. He stressed the importance of a diverse range of media sources and hoped that social media would enable the public to access information from various perspectives.
In light of the information revolution brought about by the internet and social media platforms like TikTok, Prabowo believes that democracy in Indonesia will be further strengthened. He argued that with the proliferation of information sources, the influence of a select few individuals on national opinion should be minimized, ensuring a more robust democratic landscape.
