Prabowo at Indonesia-Japan Business Forum: We Have Never Defaulted on Debt

President Prabowo Subianto emphasised that his government is committed to providing security and maintaining the trust of global investors while introducing Indonesia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, BPI Danantara. Prabowo stressed that Indonesia has a highly disciplined track record in fulfilling its global financial obligations.

This was stated by President Prabowo during his keynote speech at the Japan-Indonesia Business Forum in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday (30/3/2026). The forum was attended by several cabinet members, the Japanese government delegation, and businesspeople from both countries.

Prabowo explained that Indonesia has a reputation for compliance in debt repayment. He mentioned that Indonesia has never failed to pay its debts.

“Indonesia has a reputation, as you know, we have never defaulted on our debts. Not once in the history of the Republic of Indonesia have we ever defaulted,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo acknowledged that Indonesia’s economic journey has not always been easy and is full of challenges. However, he assured that every regime in Indonesia has always respected the commitments made by its predecessors.

“We have suffered, yes. We are ready to suffer, but our tradition is to respect all commitments made by all our governments. Even if that government comes from a different background, perhaps an opposing background,” he continued.

Prabowo then compared Indonesia’s commitment stability with the conditions in some major world economies that have experienced defaults. According to him, this proves that Indonesia is an honourable and reliable partner.

“History is proof that all Indonesian governments, all Indonesian administrations, respect and will respect all commitments from previous governments and previous presidents. I think this is important in the current era. We see many major economies defaulting not just once, not twice, but multiple times,” he stated.

In addition to discussing debt, Prabowo offered strategic partnerships in the industrial downstreaming sector and renewable energy. He emphasised that Indonesia no longer wants to merely export raw materials, but to become part of the global value chain through technological collaboration with Japan.

It is known that Prabowo is currently on a state visit to Tokyo, Japan. Prabowo began the visit by meeting Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo. The visit was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto.