President Prabowo Subianto attended the peak of Partai Golkar's 61st anniversary at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, on December 5, 2025. In his speech, he called for political system reforms to cut high costs and money games in democracy. Prabowo also praised Golkar leaders and shared light-hearted jokes with the audience.
The peak celebration of Partai Golkar's 61st anniversary took place at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, December 5, 2025. President Prabowo Subianto attended as an honored guest and delivered a speech highlighting key issues in Indonesian politics.
Prabowo stressed the need for political system reforms to create a healthier and more inclusive democracy. He criticized high political costs as a major source of corruption. "Politik yang mahal ini, politik yang mau niru-niru negara lain ini saya kira sumber korupsi yang sangat besar," he said. The president urged reducing money games in democracy so politics is not dominated by the wealthy. "Demokrasi harus mengurangi, terlalu banyak permainan uang. Demokrasi harus kita bikin minimal ongkos politik supaya politik kita jangan ditentukan hanya orang-orang yang berduit," he stated.
He proposed simplifying regional head elections, where after choosing DPRD, bupati and governors could be elected directly to save costs. Prabowo noted many countries like Malaysia, India, the UK, Canada, and Australia use low-cost political systems without reducing democracy quality.
Additionally, Prabowo mocked elites who ridicule the country, especially regarding alutsista purchases. "Ada memang bagian dari rakyat kita, terutama dari elite kita yang pintar-pintar dan merasa sangat pintar, selalu nyinyir," he said. He emphasized readiness for disasters in the ring of fire, with 50 helicopters deployed to Sumatera and plans to add 200 more starting January 2026.
Prabowo praised Golkar Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia as a smart figure who went to the field to handle floods in Sumatera. "Pak Bahlil ini memang harus saya akui orang yang sangat cerdas, ini benar, sangat cerdas," he said, highlighting the loyal nature of Eastern Indonesians.
In a light moment, Prabowo joked when greeting Kaesang Pangarep, noting cheers for him were louder than for Vice President Gibran Rakabuming. "Kok lebih ramai dari abangnya ini," he said, met with laughter. He was also impressed by the prayer led by Minister of ATR/BPN Nusron Wahid and joked, "Mungkin salah jabatan hahaha, apa pindah Menteri Agama."
Prabowo mentioned the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program now reaching 49 million daily beneficiaries, a major logistical achievement surpassing Brazil in short time. He criticized those downplaying it, affirming true politics helps the needy.
