By: Prabowo Subianto, excerpted from “National Transformation Strategy: Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045,” pages 223-227, fourth softcover edition.
Entering politics for me meant making sacrifices—in terms of energy, time, and emotions. However, I believed that without engaging in politics, there would be no way for me to make a positive impact on the lives of many.
I firmly believe that significant improvements in the lives of our citizens cannot be achieved through mere complaints and criticism. We cannot better our nation by simply observing from the sidelines or reprimanding without taking action.
Some of you reading this book may already be involved in politics or at least have an understanding and concern for national politics. For those who are not, I urge you to consider the following.
There comes a point in life where we are faced with difficult choices. Do we stand for truth, or do we tolerate falsehoods?
Do we defend the integrity and independence of our nation and the values we hold dear? Or do we give in to monetary temptations, compromising our values, our identity, and our dignity?
Choices like these are incredibly challenging.
In 1945, our leaders were confronted with a similar dilemma: declare independence or wait for it to be granted by the colonizers. Those advocating for immediate independence risked everything, including their lives.
On the eve of November 10, 1945, the people and leaders of Surabaya had to make a tough decision: surrender to British demands by handing over their weapons by November 9 or face an assault by a global superpower of that era.
Imagine the blow to our national pride if the leaders and citizens of Surabaya had surrendered. What if Governor Suryo, Bung Tomo, and all leaders of East Java and Surabaya had yielded to foreign demands? Where would our dignity stand today?
The major crises in our nation in 1965 also presented a critical choice: defend Pancasila or embrace an ideology foreign to our nation, communism?
Similarly, during the Reform era in 1998, many of our leaders faced a dilemma: support an undemocratic system or champion reform and democracy?
Throughout my 20 years in politics, I have consistently shared the message contained in this book. Despite facing opposition that seeks to discredit me as power-hungry and violent, I have demonstrated my commitment to peace.
As a former soldier who has witnessed the horrors of war and its consequences, I always choose the path of peace. The accusations against me are unfounded. I have been falsely accused of wanting to close down churches in Indonesia, despite having Christian family members and colleagues.
As a former TNI soldier, I pledged to defend all Indonesians regardless of their background. I have risked my life for the people, and many of my subordinates from diverse backgrounds have served under my command.
How could I betray my oath and forget the sacrifices of my subordinates?
I have also been wrongly labeled as anti-Chinese, although I have always stood up for minority groups. Such smears are part of the dark side of politics. I urge my supporters to remain patient and calm, refraining from responding to hatred with hatred or evil with evil.
While we remain patient, we must also be mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared. I encourage you, the reader, to reflect on your beliefs and actions in the stillness of the night.
Will we collectively uphold truth or give in to falsehood, fraud, and injustice?
After reflecting, I invite you to take steps towards shaping the future. I have chosen to fight based on constitutional principles, refusing to accept unjust circumstances. I believe that foreign interference is heavily influencing Indonesia’s current state. Certain countries aim to see Indonesia weakened, destroyed, and impoverished.
I have compelling evidence of their involvement, but we must remain calm and have faith in our own strength.
