ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, issued a stern statement declaring that the country remains plagued by entrenched mafia networks across multiple sectors: illegal mining, oil and gas cartels, and political operatives who infiltrate public protests.
The President made the remarks after visiting victims of recent riots at R. Said Sukanto National Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Wave of Violent Unrest in Late August 2025
Between August 29–30, 2025, demonstrations in several Indonesian cities spiraled into violence. Public facilities, government buildings, and even private residences of state officials were vandalized or set ablaze.
Jakarta – Rioters torched bus stops, commuter train stations, and other transport facilities. Reports also indicated looting at the homes of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and four members of Parliament: Ahmad Sahroni, Eko Patrio, Uya Kuya, and Nafa Urbach.
Makassar, South Sulawesi – The provincial legislature (DPRD) was set on fire, killing four civil servants. President Prabowo described the attack as an act of treason.
Bandung, West Java – The West Java provincial council building was torched following clashes.
Surabaya, East Java – Rioters infiltrating a student rally set fire to the East Java provincial legislature.
Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara – The NTB provincial council building was engulfed in flames.
Cirebon, West Java – The district council building was burned, destroying furniture and official documents.
Solo, Central Java – The city council was reduced to ashes after a solidarity protest turned violent.
Kediri, East Java – The local council building was stormed and burned following clashes near the police headquarters.
President Prabowo stressed the violence was not spontaneous but a coordinated effort by organized groups with political and economic interests.
“When people arrive with trucks, firecrackers, and the intent to torch government buildings and loot officials’ homes, that is not the voice of the people. That is the work of rioters controlled by mafias,” he declared.
Illegal Mining Mafia: Environmental Devastation and National Losses
The President linked the unrest to the interests of illegal mining syndicates, which he said have long destroyed the environment while depriving the state of massive revenues.
“The state loses trillions of rupiah. Forests are destroyed, rivers are polluted, and indigenous communities are displaced. These mafias deliberately create chaos to protect their dirty business,” Prabowo warned.
Oil and Gas Mafia: Energy Cartels Exploit the People
Prabowo also condemned mafia networks in the oil and gas sector, which he said dominate imports and distribution to manipulate prices and burden citizens.
“The oil and gas mafia has been playing this game for far too long. Energy is a vital need of the people—it must not be controlled by mafias. I will put an end to these corrupt practices,” he said.
Presidential Oath: Indonesia Must Be Freed from Mafias
The President pledged unwavering determination to root out mafias in every sector—mining, energy, politics, and bureaucracy.
“I will not hesitate to defend the people. Mining mafias, oil mafias, political mafias—I will fight them all. No matter how powerful they are, by God, I will not retreat a single step. Indonesia must be cleansed of mafias that plunder the nation’s wealth,” Prabowo declared.
Ministers Rally Behind the President
Several ministers voiced full support for Prabowo’s crackdown.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said Prabowo is the first president to openly challenge the oil and gas mafia, including the powerful Riza Chalid network.
Minister of Migrant Workers Protection Abdul Kadir Karding added: “This clean-up agenda must not back down under pressure. I stand firmly with the President.”
Call for National Unity
Concluding his remarks, Prabowo reaffirmed that his firm stance is taken solely in defense of ordinary citizens.
“I was elected by the people. I swore to uphold the Constitution. I will not hesitate to fight mafias, to fight anarchy, and to fight corruption. By God, I will not retreat a single step. I believe the people stand with me,” the President asserted. (AT Network)
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