What Did Prabowo Discuss During His Five-Hour Address to Academics?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto delivered a nearly five-hour address to more than 2,600 academics during the Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) in Jakarta on Friday, June 26.

The audience included lecturers, university rectors, and deans from public and private higher education institutions across Indonesia.

Prabowo began his remarks at around 04:00 PM at the Jakarta Convention Center. After speaking publicly for about 30 minutes, he asked journalists to leave the venue and continued the session behind closed doors.

The event paused briefly around 06:00 PM before resuming, with Prabowo continuing his presentation until after 09:00 PM. He delivered his remarks with the aid of slides displayed on a large screen.

Many participants remained throughout the lengthy session.

"He spoke with great enthusiasm for nearly five hours without stopping. It was extraordinary," Sukartiningsih, a lecturer at Mulawarman University's Faculty of Forestry, told Tempo after attending the event.

What Did Prabowo Discuss?

According to Sukartiningsih, Prabowo's presentation focused on Indonesia's current challenges and several flagship government programs, including the Free Nutritious Meals program, the Red and White Village Cooperatives initiative, and the country's export policies.

She said the president did not issue specific directives to universities but instead encouraged academics to contribute their expertise to Indonesia's future development.

"He reminded us that all the knowledge we have should be dedicated to advancing the nation and the state," said Sukartiningsih, who also serves as a vice rector at Mulawarman University.

During the session, Prabowo also revisited historical issues, including the exploitation of Indonesia's natural resources during Dutch colonial rule—a theme he has raised in previous speeches, including at a plenary session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

He also shared personal stories from his youth and his years after military service.

"There was also a brief account of his younger days," Sukartiningsih said.

No question-and-answer session was held because of the large number of participants, she added.

What Is the KSTI Convention?

As part of the event, organizers distributed several books to attendees, including four titles authored by Prabowo: Nation Transformation Strategy, Indonesia's Paradox and Its Solution, and Volumes I and II of Military Leadership. Participants also received President Prabowo Subianto's Solution, written by Muhammad Qodari, Dirgayuza Setiawan, and Agung Gumilar Saputra.

The forum, titled "National Discussion," formed part of the Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The convention was launched on Prabowo's initiative and was first held at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in August 2025.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya were among the senior government officials in attendance.

Read: Prabowo Asks Journalists to Leave During Speech to Academics

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