Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto on Friday criticized economic commentators who have issued gloomy forecasts for Indonesia’s economy amid rising global geopolitical tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Prabowo said some analysts were narrow-minded and failed to recognize what he described as the country’s strong economic performance.

“There are certain commentators who seem unhappy when the government succeeds in implementing its programs,” Prabowo said. “In my view, that attitude is narrow and not patriotic.”

Prabowo added that he possessed “intelligence data” suggesting that some of the analysts behind negative assessments of Indonesia’s economy had ulterior motives and were paid to issue critical commentary.

“I already know who is financing them. At the appropriate time, we will bring order to all of this,” Prabowo said, without providing further details.

According to the president, the criticism may stem from dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts to combat corruption or from political rivalry.

“These commentators, in my view, want to create anxiety among the public,” he said. “I don’t understand why, because this country is like a ship — if it tilts, they will tilt along with it.”

His remarks came only three days after he issued a stern warning to government officials not to submit reports that misrepresent facts simply to please him.

“Do not play games with me by providing false reports just to make me happy. I give this as a serious warning,” he said at that time.

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