Indonesia's Wealth Held Abroad Too Long, Prabowo Vows Economic Transformation

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto acknowledged that the management of Indonesia’s natural wealth continues to face challenges. He noted that the added value of national natural resources has long been enjoyed by foreign parties rather than the local population.

‘Too long has part of the added value from our resources been enjoyed abroad. Too long has our people been mere spectators to their own nation’s wealth,’ Prabowo said while leading the 81st anniversary commemoration of Pancasila’s birth at the Pancasila Building in Jakarta on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Therefore, Prabowo affirmed that his government’s main mission is to transform the national economy. As the 8th president, he received a direct mandate from the people to fulfil.

The transformation aims to restructure the national economy to be more grounded in Pancasila values, ensuring Indonesia’s natural wealth benefits all citizens more widely and equitably.

‘As the people’s mandate, sworn before the people, it is to transform the nation, particularly our national economy. Transforming from an economy not fully based on Pancasila to one that truly adheres to Pancasila,’ he said.

Prabowo noted Indonesia possesses natural resources vital to the modern world and high-tech industries, such as copper, tin, gold, rare earth metals. Additionally, Indonesia is a producer of palm oil, coal, nickel, and other agricultural commodities.

‘However, we must acknowledge that our wealth has long not been fully utilised for the people’s prosperity,’ he added.