GARDU MERAH PUTIH Backs Prabowo, Says Government Must Remain Open to Criticism

JAKARTA, Stupa News — Indonesian civic organization GARDU MERAH PUTIH has pledged its support for President Prabowo Subianto’s administration while stressing that government oversight must remain grounded in the constitution, the rule of law and the public interest.

The organization’s chairman, Professor H. Firmansyah, said GARDU MERAH PUTIH aims to help strengthen national unity, promote civic awareness and support the government in carrying out its mandate from the people.

“Supporting the president does not mean turning a blind eye to criticism. A strong state needs healthy, constructive and responsible criticism,” Firmansyah told reporters in Jakarta on Friday.

He said the organization’s support for Prabowo was not intended to promote a personality cult or unconditional loyalty, but to help ensure that the elected government can implement its development agenda in accordance with the constitution.

Government policies that serve the public interest should be supported, while shortcomings in their implementation should be addressed through measured and constructive criticism, he said.

The statement frames the organization’s political support as a commitment that, according to Firmansyah, leaves room for scrutiny of government policies.

Civic groups urged to engage with communities

Firmansyah said civic organizations should not limit their activities to periods of political campaigning. Instead, they should remain engaged with communities, listen to public concerns, promote legal awareness and monitor development programs.

He also stressed the importance of preserving social cohesion despite differences in political preferences, ethnicity, religion and viewpoints.

“Indonesia is too great a nation to be put at risk by short-term interests,” he said.

GARDU MERAH PUTIH aims to provide a platform for public aspirations while promoting Indonesia’s founding principles, including Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika — Unity in Diversity — and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Firmansyah said.

The organization rejects approaches based on provocation and hatred, he added, saying it instead seeks to promote civic education, social engagement and practical initiatives that benefit communities.

Political support and public accountability

Firmansyah also linked the organization’s commitment to safeguarding Indonesia with broader national challenges, including the economy, law enforcement, public security, natural resource management and opportunities for younger generations.

However, his statement did not specify concrete work programs, planned activities or mechanisms for implementing those commitments.

GARDU MERAH PUTIH maintains that support for Prabowo’s administration must go hand in hand with respect for the law and the constitution. The organization also wants to serve as a bridge between public concerns and the government, Firmansyah said.

He argued that patriotism should be demonstrated through actions that deliver tangible benefits to society rather than slogans alone.

That principle, he said, would guide the organization’s efforts to promote national unity and support development while keeping the public interest at the center of its activities.

“Safeguarding Indonesia is not the responsibility of one person alone. It is a shared responsibility,” Firmansyah said. (Gusti Haes)