Prabowo: Corruption Causes Wealth to Disappear

President Prabowo Subianto has asserted that eradicating corruption is the main key to strengthening the nation’s foundations. He assessed that corrupt practices have caused state wealth to leak and flow abroad. “We must be brave in eradicating corruption because corruption is what has caused much of our wealth to disappear, to be taken abroad. But we are starting to close it off, we are starting to stop that,” said Prabowo while opening the 35th NU Congress on Thursday (27/8).

In addition to eradicating corruption, the Head of State stressed the importance of budget efficiency. Prabowo claimed the government has succeeded in saving up to hundreds of trillions of rupiah. The funds from these savings are allocated to assist the poor and vulnerable groups.

Prabowo also outlined a number of achievements even though his administration has not yet reached two years. Indonesia is said to have achieved food self-sufficiency and is moving towards energy self-sufficiency in order to reduce dependence on fuel imports. This optimism is supported by the discovery of significant new gas and gold fields.

Regarding strategic programmes, Prabowo reported that the Free Nutritious Meals programme has now reached more than 62 million beneficiaries. Although acknowledging there are still shortcomings in its implementation, he is committed to continuing improvements so that its benefits are felt by children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

The government also plans to operate tens of thousands of Red and White Cooperatives. This step aims to ensure subsidised goods reach the people at the lowest prices and to prevent illegal trading practices of subsidised goods.

Closing his speech, Prabowo acknowledged that geographical challenges and extreme weather such as El Nino still loom. However, he believes the natural wealth and economic strength being built will make Indonesia rise to become an unstoppable country within the next few years.