President Prabowo directs regional leaders to end crowd mobilization for official visits

President Prabowo directs regional leaders to end crowd mobilization for official visits

President Prabowo Subianto has directed regional leaders across Indonesia to stop mobilizing residents for welcoming ceremonies during his official visits, emphasizing that government efforts should focus on serving the public rather than organizing formal receptions.

Speaking at a mass signing ceremony for subsidized home mortgages in Batang, Central Java, on Thursday, the president made clear his preference for authentic public engagement over orchestrated gatherings. Batang Regency, located approximately 100 kilometers west of the provincial capital Semarang on the north coast of Central Java, has a population of around 847,175 residents.

Once again, I ask governors and district heads that when I visit, there is no need to mobilize people to greet me.

Prabowo stated during the event, which was part of the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) program.

The president, who was inaugurated as Indonesia's eighth president on October 20, 2024, after winning approximately 58.6 percent of the vote in February elections, explained that while he appreciates warm receptions from communities, he does not want residents forced to attend welcoming ceremonies.

I am happy to meet people if they genuinely want to welcome me. But if they are mobilized, I feel sorry because they have to wait for hours in the heat.

He said, expressing concern for residents who must endure long waits under the scorching sun.

Housing program expands access for low-income families

The event in Batang marked the third mass mortgage signing ceremony, following two similar events in 2025. This nationwide initiative involved 62,710 beneficiaries across 130 locations in 36 provinces simultaneously, demonstrating the government's systematic approach to expanding housing access.

The FLPP program, launched in 2010, provides government-subsidized mortgages to help low-income communities access affordable housing with a fixed 5 percent interest rate for landed homes and 6 percent for apartments. Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait, who has served in the position since October 21, 2024, accompanied the president at the ceremony.

As of July 29, 2026, FLPP subsidized mortgage disbursement reached 118,756 housing units worth Rp14.76 trillion (US$794 million), with the government targeting 350,000 subsidized housing units for the year. These efforts address Indonesia's significant housing backlog of 9.6 million units as of 2025, according to Statistics Indonesia.

The program achieved record success in 2025, distributing 278,868 housing units valued at Rp34.64 trillion across 33 provinces through 40 participating banks—the highest level since its inception. Private-sector workers accounted for 73.63 percent of beneficiaries with 205,311 units, followed by self-employed workers at 14.06 percent and civil servants at 7.46 percent.

In June 2026, the government extended the maximum FLPP mortgage repayment period from 20 years to 40 years to reduce monthly payments and make housing more affordable for low-income families.

Emphasis on sincere public service

President Prabowo reinforced that the administration's priority remains serving citizens rather than organizing ceremonial functions for the head of state. He expressed confidence that Indonesians recognize the government's commitment to working genuinely for the people.

What matters is that I believe the people know this government is working sincerely for Indonesia. We have no other interests, and the achievements we have made are truly encouraging despite the many challenges facing the world.

The president called on all elements of society to strengthen cooperation and maintain national unity in pursuing Indonesia's development goals. He emphasized that through mutual trust, support, and solidarity as one family within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, the nation would accomplish major development targets.

The key is cooperation. We are all Indonesians. We are one big family on one great ship called the Republic of Indonesia. Through cooperation, mutual trust, support, and solidarity, we will accomplish great things.

Prabowo concluded.