Prabowo Warns Bureaucrats: Simplify Rules or Step Aside
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TANGERANG, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has issued a stern warning to government officials resisting efforts to simplify Indonesia’s regulatory framework, pledging to remove those who drag their feet and replace them with younger, more proactive talent.
Speaking at the opening of the 49th Indonesian Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex) on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in BSD City, South Tangerang, Prabowo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to cutting red tape in order to boost investment and improve public services.
“Officials who refuse to simplify regulations will be replaced. I will not hesitate,” he said. “There are many young people ready to step up if given the chance.”
The president emphasized the urgent need for a cultural and mindset shift in the bureaucracy, criticizing what he described as an outdated attitude of making things unnecessarily complicated.
“Public officials and regulators must serve the people,” Prabowo declared. “They must support everyone who wants to contribute to this country. We need swift results for our people.”
With rapid changes sweeping across the global economy, Prabowo said Indonesia could not afford to be hampered by slow, complacent, or obstructive bureaucrats. “Those who work poorly or move slowly will be sidelined. We need a streamlined process and a business-friendly environment for both domestic and foreign investors.”
Indonesia’s energy sector, he noted, holds immense potential with dozens of oil and gas blocks ready for investment. But he warned that regulatory complexity remains a major barrier.
“I am calling on regulatory bodies—simplify the rules,” Prabowo said. “Let me repeat: simplify the rules. There’s a tendency—not just in Indonesia, but especially here—to overregulate ourselves. That must stop.”
The statement underscores Prabowo’s desire to create a more agile and investor-friendly state apparatus, especially as his government seeks to attract foreign capital and drive energy sector development.