Indonesia's Economic Growth Remains Uneven, Prabowo: Let Us Be Honest With Ourselves

President Prabowo Subianto stated that although Indonesia’s economy has grown over recent decades, the benefits have not been evenly or fairly distributed among all citizens. During his speech at the Pancasila Birth Anniversary ceremony held at the Pancasila Building in Jakarta, the President called on all government stakeholders to reflect on Indonesia’s current state on this occasion of Pancasila Day 2026. Prabowo said the uneven impact of economic growth on Indonesian society is a weakness the nation must honestly acknowledge. ‘For decades, Indonesia’s economy has indeed grown. But has that growth been even?’ Prabowo said on Monday, 1 June 2026. ‘Let us always be honest with ourselves when assessing the current reality. We must acknowledge our weaknesses and challenges,’ he added. Prabowo then outlined Indonesia’s abundant natural resources, from minerals to agriculture, which are in high demand by the modern world. The President stressed that Indonesia is one of the largest producers of critical minerals needed by other countries today, such as copper, tin, gold, rare earth metals, palm oil, coal, nickel, and other vital agricultural commodities. ‘We understand we possess extraordinary natural wealth. We are among the largest producers of commodities essential to modern technology and the global economy,’ Prabowo said. Moreover, Prabowo noted that Indonesia has achieved food self-sufficiency at a time when many other nations struggle with food security. However, Prabowo urged his administration to reflect that Indonesia’s natural wealth has not yet been fully utilised for the people’s prosperity. ‘We must admit that our wealth has not been fully harnessed for the nation’s prosperity for too long,’ he added.