Prabowo Criticizes 'Salon Generals,' Launches Housing Initiative

President Prabowo Subianto has sharply criticized high-ranking military and police officials he deems too concerned with appearances, labeling them "salon generals."

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Generals, generals, don't be salon generals, who only want to be clean. Once in a while, a general's shoes must be dirty, if necessary, their pants must be dirty up to the knee.

Speaking in Batang, Central Java, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Prabowo urged leaders to embrace hands-on leadership, even if it means getting their uniforms dirty. "Generals, generals, don't be salon generals, who only want to be clean. Once in a while, a general's shoes must be dirty, if necessary, their pants must be dirty up to the knee," he stated, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat.

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But don't soil your shoes just to meet the president. That's an old trick, don't do it.

He humorously cautioned against deliberately soiling one's attire solely for presidential appearances, calling it an outdated tactic. The president's remarks came during the inauguration of mass housing and micro-credit programs totaling 62,000 units and valued at $880 million. This initiative aims to expand access to decent housing for low-income individuals and bolster national housing finance.

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We are working hard with various programs and continuously thinking of the best ways to multiply the number of houses that the people can enjoy.

"We are working hard with various programs and continuously thinking of the best ways to multiply the number of houses that the people can enjoy," Prabowo said. He expressed gratitude for the simultaneous mass inauguration across various regions, reiterating the government's commitment to ensuring all Indonesian citizens have access to adequate housing.

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We want all Indonesian citizens to have decent housing.