DPD Highlights Thorny Issues Challenging Government, Eroding National Competitiveness

The Regional Representative Council (DPD) has outlined the thorn in the flesh that poses a challenge to President Prabowo Subianto’s government. Sacrifice is needed to remove these thorns.

This was explained by DPD Chairman Sultan B Najamudin during the annual session of the MPR, DPR and DPD at Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, 14 August 2026.

“The thorn is dependence on imports, low value-added of natural resources, under-invoicing practices, transfer pricing, inefficiency, and various obstacles that erode national competitiveness,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation that the Prabowo government, over the past two years, has begun to clean up these thorns. As a result, Indonesia’s economy going forward will not only be strong, but also sustainable.

“Appreciation for various programmes oriented towards national economic independence, amid the uncertainty of global geopolitical dynamics. President Prabowo has taken strategic steps to restore state control over land, water, and natural resources for the prosperity of the people. In accordance with the mandate of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia,” he asserted.

He also stressed that the economic transformation championed by President Prabowo is akin to removing a thorn from the flesh. “Removing a thorn is certainly uncomfortable. There is a stinging sensation, even a little bleeding. However, as long as the thorn remains embedded, the wound will never truly heal,” he said.

“Economic transformation demands the courage to make difficult decisions in order to strengthen the foundations of the national economy and realise an Indonesia that is more sovereign, advanced, and competitive,” he added.