On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during a plenary session of the House of Representatives, President Prabowo Subianto addressed a critical issue: the existence of a “deep state” or a “state within a state.” President Prabowo articulated his concern that these deep state bureaucrats significantly impede the effectiveness and efficiency of national institutions, hindering their crucial operations.
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The Chairman of the Gerindra Party initially expressed confidence in the integrity of many civil servants (ASN). However, he cautioned that the presence of even a small number of rogue bureaucrats could critically compromise the entire governmental apparatus. Emphasizing this point at the MPR/DPR/DPD Building, he invoked an ancient Indonesian proverb: “Our ancestors reminded us: a speck of indigo spoils a whole pot of milk,” underscoring the disproportionate damage a few bad actors can inflict.
Consequently, Prabowo asserted that these disobedient bureaucrats must be dealt with decisively, regardless of their limited numbers. “It is the few, those who constitute the deep state, whom we must take action against,” he declared, reinforcing his commitment to addressing this challenge directly.
President Prabowo further elaborated that these deep state actors often operate with a sense of impunity, believing themselves shielded from the repercussions of their actions. This perceived immunity stems from their entrenched positions within the bureaucracy, allowing them to persist irrespective of ministerial or presidential changes following general elections.
The former Defense Minister provided concrete examples of these deep state actors’ manipulative tactics. He highlighted their efforts to coerce ministers into signing detrimental regulations. Illustrating this, Prabowo described how these individuals often strategically wait until ministers are fatigued, typically towards the end of the workday, to push through self-serving policies. “They will ask for signatures at 5:30 PM,” Prabowo recounted, “when you’re already tired. You’re exhausted, and they come asking for signatures. Isn’t that right?”
Beyond direct manipulation, Prabowo also brought attention to bureaucrats who deliberately complicate processes by introducing excessive additional rules. He cited instances where presidential and ministerial directives to simplify business licensing procedures were met with the creation of intricate technical regulations, ultimately stifling the business climate rather than streamlining it. This deliberate obfuscation serves as another key characteristic of the deep state’s obstructive behavior.
In response to these pervasive issues, the retired general issued a stern warning to all ministers, urging them to exercise extreme vigilance. “I remind all ministers,” he stated emphatically, “bring order to your bureaucracy from top to bottom! Be wary of those bureaucrats, for they possess extensive experience and familiarity with the system.” This call to action emphasizes the need for internal reform and careful oversight.
Significantly, President Prabowo’s appearance at the DPR plenary session was primarily to present the macroeconomic framework and fiscal policy principles (KEM-PPKF) for the nation. In a historic first, the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia directly delivered the KEM-PPKF to the parliament, signaling a new era of transparency and direct engagement.
This was not the first time President Prabowo had publicly addressed the issue of deep state actors as disruptive elements within his administration. He had previously discussed these concerns during an interview with a group of journalists and observers on March 17, 2026, indicating a consistent focus on this challenge.
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Summary
During a plenary session at the House of Representatives, President Prabowo Subianto identified “deep state” bureaucrats as a significant obstacle to governmental efficiency. He warned that even a small number of rogue officials can undermine national institutions by manipulating regulations and complicating administrative processes. Using the proverb about a speck of indigo spoiling a pot of milk, the President emphasized that these actors must be held accountable for their obstructive behavior.
To combat this, President Prabowo urged his ministers to remain vigilant and strictly oversee their departments to prevent deliberate bureaucratic interference. He specifically noted tactics such as pushing for signatures on harmful policies during late hours and creating excessive technical rules that stifle business. This address, which also focused on presenting the nation’s macroeconomic framework, reinforces his ongoing commitment to systemic reform and administrative transparency.