Prabowo Acknowledges Citizens Are Merely Spectators in a Wealthy Nation: Our Resources Have Been Enjoyed Abroad for Too Long

President Prabowo Subianto has acknowledged that Indonesia’s economic growth over decades has not fully delivered justice for all citizens.

Despite abundant natural wealth and being a producer of global strategic commodities, the economic benefits enjoyed by the public remain suboptimal.

The remarks were made by Prabowo during the Pancasila Birth Anniversary Ceremony at the Pancasila Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 1 June 2026.

According to Prabowo, Indonesia’s main challenge is not merely pursuing economic growth but ensuring development aligns with Pancasila values and delivers equitable benefits to all citizens.

‘One of Indonesia’s major challenges today is ensuring our economic development truly adheres to Pancasila principles,’ Prabowo stated.

He urged all national stakeholders to honestly assess the national economic situation, including acknowledging existing weaknesses.

‘Let us always be honest with ourselves. We must recognise our shortcomings and difficulties,’ he said.

Prabowo argued that past economic growth achievements need evaluation in terms of their distribution among the populace.

‘For the past few decades, Indonesia’s economy has indeed grown. But has that growth been equitable? Has it been fairly felt by all Indonesians? Let us be honest about the realities we face,’ he added.

He then highlighted Indonesia’s vast natural resources, noting the country is a top producer of strategic commodities underpinning modern industry and global technology.

‘We possess extraordinary natural resources. We understand our immense wealth. We are among the largest producers of critical commodities required by the modern world and high-tech industries,’ he said.

Prabowo listed key Indonesian commodities such as copper, tin, gold, rare earth metals, nickel, coal, palm oil, and strategic agricultural products.

‘We are major producers of vital minerals: copper, tin, gold, rare earths. We produce palm oil, coal, nickel, and other crucial agricultural commodities. Moreover, we are now food self-sufficient, unlike many nations facing shortages, leaving us better prepared,’ he concluded.