Prabowo Cites 'Deep State' at Parliament Speech: What Is It?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto today, Wednesday, May 20, during the plenary session of the House of Representatives, cited the "deep state," or the unauthorized network operating within a government, as part of the reasons obstructing the functioning of state institutions.

Prabowo said initially that he had confidence in good civil servants, but said roguish bureaucrats could disrupt the government. "Our ancestors have warned us: a single bad apple can spoil the whole barrel," he said at the parliament in Jakarta.

Therefore, despite their smaller number, Prabowo said these insubordinate bureaucrats must be dealt with. "We must crack down on the few officers who are involved. That's what we call the deep state," he said.

The "deep state" actors, according to Prabowo, often feel immune, since they remain within the system despite the rotating presidents and ministers with each general election.

To illustrate the mischievous work of these "deep state" actors, Prabowo gave an example of them pestering ministers into signing unfavorable regulations.

They often wait for the ministers to become tired before asking for signatures on policies that benefit themselves. "They will ask for signatures at 5:30 in the evening," he said.

Addressing those present in the meeting, he said, "Once you are tired, they come to ask for signature. Am I right?"

Prabowo also criticized bureaucrats who like to create additional regulations. For instance, when the president and ministers ordered to simplify business licensing procedures, they instead created technical regulations that complicate the business environment even further.

Prabowo also instructed the ministers to remain cautious. "All ministers, I remind you to organize the bureaucracy below you! Be cautious of those bureaucrats, because they have been there for a long time," he said.

Prabowo attended the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) to present the macroeconomic and fiscal policy framework (KEM-PPKF), becoming the first Indonesian president to do so.

Prabowo had previously addressed the issue of "deep state" actors as disruptors in his administration during an interview with several journalists and analysts on March 17, 2026.

Read: Prabowo Slips up on Teachers' 300% Wage Hike: What's the Truth?

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