Prabowo on Uneven Economic Growth: Let's Be Honest About Reality

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto called on Indonesians to honestly assess the country’s current condition, arguing that the benefits of economic growth have not been distributed evenly despite decades of expansion.

Speaking at the 2026 Pancasila Day commemoration ceremony in Jakarta on Monday, June 1, Prabowo said Indonesia had recorded sustained economic growth over the years but questioned whether its gains had been enjoyed fairly by all citizens.

“For the past few decades, Indonesia’s economy has indeed grown. But has this growth been equitable and fairly felt by all Indonesians?” Prabowo said at the Pancasila Building grounds on Taman Pejambon Street, Central Jakarta.

“Let us be honest in facing the reality we are dealing with today,” he added.

Prabowo said Indonesia is endowed with abundant natural resources and ranks among the world’s major producers of commodities essential to the global economy.

He pointed to the country’s reserves and production of copper, tin, gold, rare earth minerals, palm oil, coal, and nickel.

“We are producers of palm oil, coal, and nickel,” Prabowo said.

The president also highlighted Indonesia’s agricultural sector, saying the country is capable of producing a range of strategic food commodities. He reiterated his administration’s claim that Indonesia has achieved food self-sufficiency and is better prepared than many countries facing food security challenges.

“While many countries are facing difficulties, we are more prepared,” he said.

At the same time, Prabowo acknowledged that Indonesia’s natural wealth has not always translated into broad-based prosperity.

“However, we must acknowledge that for too long, our wealth has not been fully utilized for the prosperity of the people,” he said.

Prabowo attended the Pancasila Day ceremony as the inspector of the event. He arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs complex at around 9:36 a.m. local time.

Members of the Red and White Cabinet had arrived earlier. Among those present were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Chief Muhammad Herindra, National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto were also in attendance.

Several former national leaders joined the ceremony, including Indonesia’s fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, and former vice presidents Jusuf Kalla and Ma’ruf Amin.

Read: Prabowo Calls for Shift Toward Pancasila-Based Economy

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