Prabowo vows crackdown on corruption, urges unity at MUI event

 President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday renewed his pledge to confront corruption and national challenges, invoking a Qur’anic verse to underscore his call for moral reform and collective responsibility.

Speaking to about 58,000 Muslims at the inauguration of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) leadership at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, Prabowo cited Surah Ar-Ra’d verse 11, which emphasizes self-change as the foundation of societal transformation.

“We are reminded of Surah Ar-Ra’d verse 11, which states that Allah Almighty will not change the condition of a people unless they change what is within themselves,” Prabowo told the gathering.

Referring to the verse, the president said the message strengthened his resolve to act decisively against corruption, which he described as a persistent threat involving state officials and entrenched interests.

“We must safeguard this Republic. We must protect the wealth of our nation. We must dare to eradicate corruption from the soil of Indonesia,” Prabowo said.

“This is not easy. Every time we attempt to eradicate corruption and uphold law and justice, these corrupt groups — looters and thieves — strike back.”

He said such groups sought to sow unrest and division in order to weaken efforts toward clean governance.

“They want to pit us against each other because they do not want a clean government in the Republic of Indonesia,” he added.

Prabowo also reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing the law, the 1945 Constitution, and all prevailing regulations, saying he would not compromise in the face of resistance.

“I will not hesitate. I will not retreat a single step,” he said, thanking the MUI for what he described as moral support.

He said backing from religious scholars gave him greater confidence to pursue justice.

According to the president, unity between religious leaders and the broader Muslim community was vital to maintaining national stability amid political and social pressures.

While acknowledging that differences and competition were natural — and even healthy — Prabowo urged Indonesians to reunite afterward in the national interest.

“We respect everyone, all communities and all people,” he said, calling such values a long-standing example set by Indonesia’s religious scholars.