DPD Speaker Praises Prabowo's Economic Transformation: Like Pulling a Thorn from the Flesh

The Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, delivered his speech at the 2026 joint session of the DPD and the House of Representatives (DPR RI). Sultan expressed his sincere appreciation for the administration of President Prabowo Subianto. “On this occasion, DPD RI conveys its sincere appreciation to the government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, who have worked cohesively and complementarily in upholding the nation’s dignity,” Sultan said in his speech at the 2026 joint session at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8/2026).

Sultan noted that Prabowo has made strategic moves by reclaiming control over Indonesia’s natural resources for the prosperity of the people. According to him, the transformation carried out by Prabowo is akin to pulling a thorn from the flesh. “The economic transformation championed by President Prabowo is like pulling a thorn from the flesh. Pulling out 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 stated.

The ‘thorn’ he referred to is Indonesia’s dependence on imports and other detrimental practices. He said economic transformation requires the courage to make decisions. “That thorn is dependence on imports, low added value of natural resources, practices of under-invoicing, transfer pricing, inefficiency, and various obstacles that erode national competitiveness,” he said.

Sultan also appreciated the food self-sufficiency achieved under Prabowo’s administration, as well as the success in maintaining economic growth above 5 per cent and controlling inflation. “Downstreaming is the key. Real support for farmers, ranchers, fishermen, labourers, and MSMEs is the driving force,” he said. “The national economy continues to grow consistently above 5 per cent, inflation is under control, the tax ratio is increasing, and efforts to reduce poverty and inequality continue to be pursued,” he added.