President Prabowo Subianto pledged on Monday, September 1, 2025 that he would not back down in confronting corrupt groups and criminal networks, vowing to defend the people and uphold the law amid recent unrest.

Speaking after visiting injured protesters and police officers at the Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, Prabowo said law enforcement officers who acted improperly during demonstrations would be investigated, but warned that provocateurs had infiltrated recent protests.

"All state apparatus will investigate who is responsible. I suspect we already have indications, and I will not hesitate to defend the people. I will face these mafias, no matter how powerful, in the name of the people. I am determined to eradicate corruption – as strong as they may be – by God, I will not retreat even one step. I believe the people are with me," said the president.

Incendiary devices and fireworks

Prabowo cited that the violent incidents that erupted during recent protests were not peaceful expressions of opinion, but deliberate attempts to incite chaos.

“The right to express opinions is guaranteed by law, but there are rules. Demonstrations must be peaceful and comply with regulations. If people want to protest, they must obtain a permit, and the event must conclude by 6 p.m.,” Prabowo said.

Reports from the field, he added, indicated strong evidence that the unrest was fueled by groups with ulterior motives.

Prabowo said the attacks on the House of Representatives (DPR) and regional councils (DPRD) − symbols of state sovereignty and democracy − pointed to a more serious agenda.

“These are state institutions upholding national sovereignty and democracy, yet they were burned. The intention was not to voice opinions but to create chaos, disrupt the lives of citizens, and sabotage national efforts to eradicate poverty,” he noted.

He reaffirmed his commitment to defending the interests of ordinary Indonesians, emphasizing that all government programs aim to improve the welfare of society’s most vulnerable.

"I was elected by the people. I carry mandate from the people. I am sworn to uphold the Constitution, and I will fulfill that duty," he said.