President Prabowo Subianto’s Bold Crackdown on Online Gambling and Drug Trafficking
Jakarta – In a decisive move during his inaugural cabinet meeting, President Prabowo Subianto has declared a robust crackdown on online gambling and drug trafficking. The meeting, held at the prestigious State Palace in Jakarta, marked a significant moment in his administration as he rallied support from key government officials, including all 48 ministers, Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin, National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and the Head of the State Intelligence Agency, Muhammad Herindra, among others.
Addressing Serious National Threats
During the meeting, President Prabowo highlighted the pressing issues plaguing the nation, categorizing online gambling, illicit drug trade, smuggling, and corruption as serious threats to Indonesia’s social fabric and economic stability. He emphasized the necessity of strict legal measures to address these challenges effectively, stating, “These issues must be addressed with strict legal measures and supported by reliable intelligence to present strong evidence. We need to mitigate these threats immediately.”
The troubling prevalence of online gambling, much of which is orchestrated by international syndicates, has devastated countless Indonesian families. Recent government reports reveal that both low-income citizens and government officials have fallen prey to these operations, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Building on Previous Efforts
President Prabowo’s commitment to combatting online gambling is not entirely new; his predecessor, President Joko Widodo, had already established a specialized task force aimed at curbing online gambling activities. However, Prabowo’s administration appears poised to escalate efforts significantly, signaling that this will become a key aspect of his government’s agenda.
A Focus on Poverty Alleviation
Beyond addressing the vices of gambling and drug trafficking, President Prabowo has made alleviating poverty one of his top priorities. He has announced the creation of a new agency, the Agency for the Acceleration of Poverty Alleviation. This institution is designed to diagnose and address the problems faced by the most vulnerable populations in Indonesia. "This agency will identify problems and implement all social protection programs for those most in need," he explained, signaling a comprehensive approach to welfare.
A Cohesive Cabinet
In preparation for this new phase of governance, President Prabowo has shown a keen interest in fostering a strong, unified cabinet. Prior to their formal inauguration, he individually interviewed each minister and conducted a group briefing at his residence, setting the stage for collaboration and accountability. His proactive approach to leadership suggests a desire to streamline communication and ensure that all cabinet members are aligned with his vision for the nation.
Retreat for Unity and Coordination
Looking ahead, President Prabowo plans to gather all 109 ministers, vice ministers, and heads of state agencies in Magelang, Central Java, for a four-day retreat starting Thursday. This assembly aims to strengthen unity within the cabinet and enhance coordination amongst various government sectors. The retreat is a strategic move to create a cohesive team ready to implement the administration’s ambitious agenda effectively.
Conclusion
As President Prabowo Subianto embarks on this new chapter for Indonesia, his commitment to tackling online gambling and drug trafficking head-on reflects a broader strategy to fortify national security and social integrity. Coupled with his focus on poverty alleviation, his administration is poised to address the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. The coming weeks will be crucial as the cabinet retreats to Magelang, setting the tone for collaborative governance that prioritizes the welfare of all Indonesians. Whether these initiatives will yield the desired results remains to be seen, but the foundation for change has undeniably been laid.
