Prabowo Says He Was Prepared to Die for Indonesia Since Age 18

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his commitment to building a prosperous Indonesia during the 28th anniversary celebration of the National Mandate Party (PAN) in Jakarta on Friday night. Speaking to a crowd assembled for the event, Prabowo emphasized that his dedication to the nation had been ingrained in him since he was 18 years old.

"I was ready to die for this country at the age of 18," Prabowo stated, expressing his willingness to sacrifice his life for the well-being of the nation. The President further elaborated on his vision for Indonesia, stating that he aimed to create a respected nation where people could live prosperously and where no one went hungry or suffered from malnutrition.

Prabowo highlighted the detrimental effects of malnutrition on children's health, warning that it can weaken their bones and muscles and impair brain development. He emphasized that malnutrition can hinder a child's ability to compete with their peers from other countries. The President vowed not to accept a nation weakened by hunger and malnutrition, declaring that it is not his oath.

To achieve his vision of a prosperous Indonesia, Prabowo stressed the importance of courage, perseverance, and loyalty. He stated that the highest form of loyalty should be directed towards the nation, the state, and the Indonesian people. Loyalty to the nation, he argued, is easy to express but requires hard work to practice.

In the same speech, Prabowo reiterated his call for free public education, from elementary and junior high school to senior high school and state universities. He promised to hold a limited meeting to discuss measures to provide free public education.