Forbes Owner Praises Prabowo's Leadership, Invites President to Speak at Global CEO Forum
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Forbes Magazine owner and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes expressed his appreciation for the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, noting that Indonesia is becoming increasingly competitive whilst fostering a better business climate and democracy.
Forbes made the remarks after being received by President Prabowo at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, on Wednesday (23/7/2025) afternoon. The meeting, which ran from 12.30 to 14.45, saw Forbes accompanied by CEO Asia for Forbes Media William Adamopoulos. Investment Minister and BKPM head Rosan P Roeslani was also in attendance.
The strategic steps taken by President Prabowo in driving economic reform, deregulation and the strengthening of strategic sectors were described as a crucial foundation in positioning Indonesia as a global power.
"This is the kind of leadership focus you want to see in any country, and we see it in Indonesia today. So we are optimistic, and sometimes it takes an outsider to recognise the good things that are happening, more than those who experience them every day," Forbes told reporters after the meeting.
Prabowo's leadership was also seen as creating a more conducive business climate through deregulation, increased agricultural production and the eradication of corruption. According to Forbes, these measures are key to Indonesia becoming a major player on the world economic stage.
"The progress Indonesia has made, and more importantly, the progress Indonesia will make, will be an important story at the global level and an inspiration for other countries," he said.
Forbes shared his views on Indonesia's enormous future potential, assessing that the government's reform measures would make the country increasingly competitive globally.
"We believe the ongoing reforms will enable Indonesia to go even further. Like a rocket slowly lifting off, then beginning to move forward. We believe Indonesia is a rocket reaching full speed in terms of removing business barriers, enabling people to improve their standard of living," Forbes said.
Forbes also emphasised his optimism regarding Indonesia-United States trade relations. "We believe our trade with Indonesia will continue to grow and we look forward to a very beneficial relationship between the US and Indonesia. Indonesia is a country with hope for the future, and that is what we need right now," he said.
Strong optimism about Indonesia's future under President Prabowo's leadership was also conveyed. "This is a very exciting time and we are delighted to be here to record it and also to provide a platform for the world to see what we are witnessing — a great future for a great country," he said.
Rosan added that the discussion between President Prabowo and Steve Forbes was very warm and productive. The two exchanged views on Indonesia, the United States, and how relations between the two countries could be further enhanced.
"The President looks ahead to Indonesia becoming better by working together openly with many countries, including the United States," he said.
In addition to expressing his appreciation, Steve Forbes also invited President Prabowo to serve as keynote speaker at the CEO Global Forum organised by Forbes Media on 14-15 October 2025 in Jakarta. The forum was previously held in Indonesia in 2013 and 2016, and will bring together more than 400 international CEOs and business leaders.
"President Prabowo will be there," Forbes said.
Forbes made the remarks after being received by President Prabowo at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, on Wednesday (23/7/2025) afternoon. The meeting, which ran from 12.30 to 14.45, saw Forbes accompanied by CEO Asia for Forbes Media William Adamopoulos. Investment Minister and BKPM head Rosan P Roeslani was also in attendance.
The strategic steps taken by President Prabowo in driving economic reform, deregulation and the strengthening of strategic sectors were described as a crucial foundation in positioning Indonesia as a global power.
"This is the kind of leadership focus you want to see in any country, and we see it in Indonesia today. So we are optimistic, and sometimes it takes an outsider to recognise the good things that are happening, more than those who experience them every day," Forbes told reporters after the meeting.
Prabowo's leadership was also seen as creating a more conducive business climate through deregulation, increased agricultural production and the eradication of corruption. According to Forbes, these measures are key to Indonesia becoming a major player on the world economic stage.
"The progress Indonesia has made, and more importantly, the progress Indonesia will make, will be an important story at the global level and an inspiration for other countries," he said.
Forbes shared his views on Indonesia's enormous future potential, assessing that the government's reform measures would make the country increasingly competitive globally.
"We believe the ongoing reforms will enable Indonesia to go even further. Like a rocket slowly lifting off, then beginning to move forward. We believe Indonesia is a rocket reaching full speed in terms of removing business barriers, enabling people to improve their standard of living," Forbes said.
Forbes also emphasised his optimism regarding Indonesia-United States trade relations. "We believe our trade with Indonesia will continue to grow and we look forward to a very beneficial relationship between the US and Indonesia. Indonesia is a country with hope for the future, and that is what we need right now," he said.
Strong optimism about Indonesia's future under President Prabowo's leadership was also conveyed. "This is a very exciting time and we are delighted to be here to record it and also to provide a platform for the world to see what we are witnessing — a great future for a great country," he said.
Rosan added that the discussion between President Prabowo and Steve Forbes was very warm and productive. The two exchanged views on Indonesia, the United States, and how relations between the two countries could be further enhanced.
"The President looks ahead to Indonesia becoming better by working together openly with many countries, including the United States," he said.
In addition to expressing his appreciation, Steve Forbes also invited President Prabowo to serve as keynote speaker at the CEO Global Forum organised by Forbes Media on 14-15 October 2025 in Jakarta. The forum was previously held in Indonesia in 2013 and 2016, and will bring together more than 400 international CEOs and business leaders.
"President Prabowo will be there," Forbes said.