Prabowo Calls for Honesty on Indonesia's Economic Growth: Has It Been Equitable and Fair?

President Prabowo Subianto has called on all government officials to reflect on Indonesia’s condition on Pancasila Day 2026. He stated that Indonesia’s economy has grown over recent decades, but the benefits have not been evenly or fairly distributed among the entire population.

Prabowo identified the unequal and unfair distribution of economic growth as a weakness, repeatedly emphasising the need for honesty.

‘Let us always be honest with ourselves; we must acknowledge our weaknesses and challenges. Over the past few decades, Indonesia’s economy has indeed grown. But has this growth been equitable? Has it been fairly shared among all Indonesians?’ Prabowo said in his speech as the Inspecting Officer at the Pancasila Day 2026 ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) complex in Central Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.

‘Let us be honest in facing the reality before us,’ he added.

Prabowo then outlined Indonesia’s abundant natural resources, vital to the modern world, ranging from minerals to agriculture.

‘We possess extraordinary natural resources; we understand the extent of our wealth. We are one of the largest producers of critical commodities needed by the modern world, particularly for high-tech industries,’ Prabowo said.

‘We are among the top producers of key minerals: copper, tin, gold, rare earth metals. We also produce palm oil, coal, and nickel. Other vital agricultural commodities,’ he added.

‘We have now achieved food self-sufficiency, even as many countries face food insecurity, making us better prepared,’ he said.

‘However, the President urged his officials to reflect that the economic value of Indonesia’s natural resources has not been fully utilised for the people’s welfare. “We must acknowledge that our wealth has not been fully harnessed for the prosperity of the people for too long,” he concluded.’