TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gerindra patron chief Prabowo Subianto has again criticized the government`s effort in managing the state debt. He said the country`s debt gradually increased each day.

"Our debt continuously increases by Rp1 trillion every day," said Prabowo during a book review event at Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, South Jakarta, on Saturday, September 1.

The statement sparked various comments from the audiences. “Who’s going to pay [the debt], Sir?” shouted a visitor. Another person lauded, “So, [let's] change the president.”

According to Prabowo, the hike on the debt rose the inequality issue between the rich and the poor. If this phenomenon could not be further enhanced, he added, Indonesia would experience bankrupt.

“The economic growth is not developed, Indonesia faces a threat of being poor country forever. Yes, it is true that a lot of rich people in the country. The top 40 richest people in Indonesia have 584,000 times of wealth than the average wealth of Indonesians," said the future president candidate.

Prabowo Subianto gave a speech as a keynote speaker at the event that presenting 24 speakers. Attending the event were professors, scholars, lecturers, teachers, and observers to discuss a book written by Prabowo Subianto entitled 'Paradoks Indonesia' (Paradox of Indonesia).

ANDITA RAHMA