Key Points from President Prabowo's Briefing

President Prabowo Subianto delivered a briefing during a working meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4). The meeting was attended by members of the Merah Putih Cabinet, Echelon 1 officials from ministries and agencies, Directors General/Deputies, and CEOs of state-owned enterprises. In his briefing, Prabowo touched on various matters, from geopolitical developments and national politics to the future direction of national development.

Indonesia Safe if World War III Breaks Out

First, Prabowo stated that Indonesia is considered one of the safest countries if a Third World War were to break out. He noted that currently, many foreign nationals, including from Russia and Ukraine, are seeking safety in Bali. Prabowo opined that this demonstrates Indonesia is viewed as a relatively safe country amid international conflicts.

“If World War III happens, which country would be safe? Indonesia is among the top. Now, go to Bali and see how many Russians are there? How many Ukrainians?” said Prabowo.

Mention of the Strait of Hormuz

Second, Prabowo also highlighted the importance of Indonesia’s geographical position in the global energy supply chain when touching on the role of the Strait of Hormuz amid conflicts in the Gulf region. This statement was made amid rising global geopolitical tensions that impact energy distribution and international trade.

Prabowo explained that the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the narrow passages, can affect many countries because it determines the world’s energy distribution.

“The war in the Middle East now proves that one strait, the Strait of Hormuz, determines the life of many nations and the price of oil,” said Prabowo.

The Strait of Hormuz, which is about 33 miles or 60 kilometres wide, he described as a crucial point currently under the control of one country.

However, Prabowo also reminded that Indonesia holds an equally important position in global trade and energy routes, particularly for countries in East Asia. He said that a large portion of energy supplies for countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China pass through Indonesian waters. This makes Indonesia’s position highly strategic and continuously attracts international attention.

“Are we aware that 70 percent of East Asia’s energy needs and trade pass through Indonesian seas? The Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, Makassar Strait—that’s Indonesian waters,” said Prabowo.

Projections for Indonesia’s Fuel Policy

Shifting to energy security matters, Prabowo conveyed that affluent groups in society must purchase fuel at market prices, while fuel subsidies should be focused on the poor. Prabowo mentioned that the government is preparing measures to control energy consumption in the short term.

“For subsidised fuel, we will maintain it for the little people. We will maintain it for 80 percent of our people,” said Prabowo.

However, he emphasised that a different policy will be applied to affluent societal groups in fuel usage.

“At the appropriate time, the strong ones, the rich ones, if they want to use expensive petrol, they must pay the market price. You’ve already become rich, asking for subsidies again? No way,” he said.

Denies Going Abroad for Pleasure Trips

At the same time, Prabowo also denied rumours accusing him of going abroad for sightseeing using state facilities. He stated that his foreign duties are to secure Indonesia’s domestic oil needs.

“They’re saying Prabowo is sightseeing abroad, enjoys travelling abroad, brothers and sisters, to secure oil, I have to go everywhere,” said Prabowo.

Mentions Groups Unwilling to Cooperate

On that occasion, Prabowo also touched on the state of national politics. One of them was his mention of groups in society that do not want to cooperate in development. He claimed not to take issue with it and respects the stance of those societal groups.

“That there are groups in society, our brothers and sisters too, our citizens too, the big family of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia too, who have a stance that can be said to be very unwilling to cooperate, we respect it, we have no problem,” said Prabowo.

Talks about Impeachment

Still related to national politics, this time he touched on democracy in Indonesia. One of them was that he has no issue with impeachment as long as it is carried out according to applicable provisions, not through violence.

Prabowo stated that Indonesia has chosen to be a democratic country, so sovereignty lies in the hands of the people. He mentioned that if the people assess the government is not working well, then a change can be made.

Prabowo also touched on the change or transition of leadership in Indonesia that occurs peacefully.

“No problem if there is a government deemed not good, then change the government, there is a mechanism for it, properly, peacefully, through General Elections, no problem,” said Prabowo.

“It can also be through impeachment, also no problem. But impeachment, yes, through the channels, there are channels, DPR, MPR, carried out, no problem,” he continued.

He also refuted the narrative of a dark Indonesia that was recently circulating on social media. He assessed that Indonesia’s current condition is actually bright while many countries are struggling.

“I’m confident, there’s no such thing, for me, dark Indonesia doesn’t exist, Indonesia is bright when many countries are struggling,” he said.

Asks Bahlil to Revoke Unclear IUPs in Protected Forests

Finally, Prabowo ordered the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, to revoke all Mining Business Permits (IUP) in protected forest areas. He said the number of IUPs in those forests is quite substantial. Prabowo also asked Bahlil to evaluate and take firm action to revoke unclear IUPs.

“I have also ordered the Minister of ESDM, I received a report that there are hundreds of unclear mines or unclear IUPs (Mining Business Permits) in protected forests and forests,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo also gave a deadline for Bahlil to evaluate the unclear mining permits.