Economists Respond to Prabowo's Claim That Economics Is a Simple Science

Airlangga University economist Rahma Gafmi has responded to President Prabowo Subianto’s statement that economics is a simple science and not a ‘science of the gods’. According to Rahma, economics is a complex discipline. Economists must understand econometrics, history, philosophy, politics, and culture. ‘So it is not as simple as President Prabowo conveyed,’ Rahma told Tempo on Sunday, 26 July 2026. She explained that modern economics is not merely about simple supply and demand curves or macroeconomic figures on paper. On one hand, academic and theoretical perspectives demand depth and cross-disciplinary rigour so that formulated policies are robust and comprehensive. On the other hand, policymakers are often faced with demands for pragmatism, where decisions must be made quickly amid political pressure. Therefore, Rahma believes the government needs to build a policy architecture that is adaptive yet firmly rooted in data. Meanwhile, Andalas University economist Syafruddin Karimi assessed that Prabowo’s statement could democratise economic understanding if used to dismantle jargon, open data, and explain policy in language the people understand. However, a risk arises when simplicity of language turns into a dismissive attitude towards expertise, models, statistics, and professional criticism. ‘The President still holds the political mandate to set the direction, but that mandate must not shut out scientific correction,’ Syafruddin said on Sunday, 26 July 2026. He stated that economic science must serve as a rational fence so that power does not turn political beliefs into costly policies without testing. Speaking at the peak event of the 28th Anniversary of the National Awakening Party, Prabowo said the principles of managing state wealth should not be viewed as a complicated science. According to him, economics is not a science of the gods. The Chairman of the Gerindra Party said economic principles can be understood easily. ‘If you open a stall, that is economics. How much capital for a cup of coffee? How much is it sold for? The difference is profit, profit is saved,’ Prabowo said in Jakarta on Thursday, 23 July 2026.