inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the culture of underappreciating one's own achievements as one of the challenges still facing the Indonesian nation in building competitiveness and progress.

"Sometimes we underappreciate our own achievements. Let alone the achievements of our colleagues. Sometimes we don't appreciate the achievements of our subordinates," said President Prabowo, Friday (7/10/2026).

According to him, this attitude is still found in various circles, from the business world, politics, government, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (INP), and even religious leaders. 

He believes this condition is likely rooted in a long history of colonialism, which fosters feelings of inferiority.

"Perhaps this is because we were colonized by the Dutch, by foreigners, for too long. So what arises is a sense of inferiority, not humility," said President Prabowo.

He used the Dutch term "minderwaardigheidscomplex" or "inferiority complex" to describe this tendency. President Prabowo also touched on the phenomenon of the "crab mentality", which describes the tendency of some people to put down others who are trying to advance.

"When there's another crab trying to climb up, another crab will try to pull it down. That's what it means to be happy when a friend is in trouble, and to be in trouble when a friend is happy," explained President Prabowo.

He emphasized that such envy and jealousy should not be fostered amidst increasingly fierce global competition. President Prabowo believes that some parties are still spreading negative narratives and hoping for Indonesia's decline.

President Prabowo also called on all parties to appreciate every achievement and strengthen cooperation to ensure the success of various national strategic programs.

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