Malaysia backs Prabowo’s ability to restore calm in Indonesia - Zahid
“What matters most is that there is no problem that cannot be solved."
SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH AND NURSYAHMINA ZAINAL
KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has conveyed Malaysia’s confidence in the leadership of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, amid growing tensions and mass protests in Indonesia.
Speaking to the media after attending the Malaysia #QuranHour 2025 programme at Masjid Negara on Saturday, Zahid said he believed that Prabowo’s leadership and diplomatic engagement could help restore calm and stability.
“Malaysia has no intention of interfering in the internal matters of any country, especially our neighbours. However, I believe President Prabowo is a very approachable leader and many of the issues, whether large or small, can be resolved through dialogue.
“What matters most is that there is no problem that cannot be solved. Everything can be brought to the negotiating table, and there is no need for people to take to the streets or organise large-scale demonstrations,” Zahid said.
He also called on Asean member countries to maintain a strong culture of dialogue and mutual understanding, emphasising that such principles are essential to lasting peace and regional cooperation.
Zahid’s remarks come at a time when Indonesia is grappling with large-scale demonstrations, following the death of a food delivery motorcyclist Affan Kurniawan, 21, who was struck by a tactical police vehicle during a protest in Jakarta on Aug 28.
The incident sparked a wave of nationwide protests and reignited public demands for transparency, accountability and political reform.
Protesters have called for President Prabowo’s resignation, the dissolution of parliament and immediate economic restructuring.
Public discontent was further inflamed by recent disclosures that 580 members of parliament were receiving monthly housing allowances of 50 million rupiah (approximately RM13,000), an amount nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage and significantly higher than incomes in rural areas.
The situation escalated with violent clashes, including the burning of public buildings such as a city council office in Makassar, where at least three fatalities have been reported due to fire-related incidents.
The protests, led by student groups and labour unions such as Gejayan Memanggil and the Labour Party, have also highlighted grievances around exploitative wage structures, contract employment and rising living costs.
In a recent national address, President Prabowo called for unity and urged citizens to “trust the government”.
Despite this appeal, demonstrations have continued in multiple cities, even under heavy rain, with observers calling it the most significant political challenge of Prabowo’s presidency since taking office in October 2024.
At Malaysia #QuranHour 2025, Zahid also spoke about the importance of national unity, regardless of political or cultural differences, especially ahead of the 68th National Day and 62nd Malaysia Day celebrations.
He said the country must come together as “one Malaysian nation” to appreciate independence and ensure stability.
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