Prabowo Calls for Economic Transformation Rooted in Pancasila Values
President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia’s greatest challenge is no longer merely recording economic growth, but ensuring that development benefits are fairly enjoyed by all citizens. Therefore, the government has prioritised national economic transformation as a key agenda aligned with Pancasila principles.
Prabowo delivered this message while presiding over the Pancasila Birth Anniversary ceremony in Jakarta on Monday (1 June). Addressing attendees, he urged all national elements to honestly assess Indonesia’s economic situation: growth has been achieved, yet benefits remain unevenly distributed.
He noted Indonesia possesses significant potential to become a developed nation, with vast natural resources including strategic minerals and agricultural commodities vital to global industries. Indonesia is a major producer of key commodities such as copper, tin, gold, rare earth metals, palm oil, coal, and nickel. Even as many nations face food crises, Indonesia is well-positioned due to its food self-sufficiency.
However, Prabowo acknowledged fundamental issues remain. For years, most value from Indonesia’s natural wealth has been enjoyed abroad, while citizens have not optimally benefited.
‘We must admit that our wealth has been underutilised for public prosperity for too long, with much of the value added and resources enjoyed overseas. Our people have long been mere spectators on their own nation’s wealth,’ Prabowo stated.
Thus, the Head of State declared that the government’s historic task is to undertake a major transformation of the national economy. This transformation aims to build an economic system firmly grounded in Pancasila and serving the people.
Prabowo explained that Pancasila-based economics must be built on religious, humanitarian, and national unity values. In his view, Indonesia’s natural resources are not merely economic commodities but a trust to be managed responsibly for current and future generations’ welfare.
He also cautioned that development success cannot be measured solely by statistics. Economic development must bring tangible improvements in people’s lives, especially for the most vulnerable groups.
Indonesian children must receive adequate nutrition, farmers must get timely and affordable fertiliser, fishermen must have fair market access, and workers must secure decent jobs and wages.
Additionally, Prabowo stressed that the national economy must prioritise the people and nation’s interests. One step taken by the government is strengthening natural resource management to prevent value addition from flowing overseas.
‘For too long, the prices of our natural wealth have been set by others abroad, with much of the profits flowing overseas rather than staying in the Motherland. Therefore, the government has mandated a single channel for natural resource exports,’ he said.
To achieve this, the government will accelerate the downstreaming of natural resource-based industries. This is expected to strengthen export earnings while creating greater economic benefits for the people.
Prabowo also emphasised the importance of strengthening people’s economy as mandated by Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. Cooperatives must return as the primary instrument for improving public welfare, while micro, small, and medium enterprises require greater support.
He believes villages must be driven as new economic growth centres, enabling communities to be active participants rather than mere beneficiaries of development.
All these policies aim to achieve social justice as the primary goal of national development. Hence, economic growth must progress alongside equitable welfare distribution.
Prabowo affirmed that the government is not just talking about development but actively implementing a nation-building strategy aligned with Pancasila values. Initiatives such as natural resource downstreaming, food security strengthening, cooperative and village economy development, and free nutritious meal programmes are part of this effort.
‘We are not just talking about development. We now have bolder aspirations; we are and will continue to implement nation-building strategies. Our strategy is essentially transforming into a path aligned with Pancasila,’ Prabowo said.
Furthermore, the government is strengthening education, healthcare, and human capital development while improving governance to prevent national wealth leakage and maximise its use for the prosperity of the Indonesian people.