Prabowo Emphasises National Interests as Priority in Trade Agreements

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that national interests remain the top priority in every international agreement, including trade deals with the United States. According to him, the government will not hesitate to abandon any agreement if it is deemed potentially detrimental to the nation’s interests. “You must believe that I prioritise Indonesia’s national interests,” said Prabowo during a discussion with journalists and experts, quoted from a release by the Indonesian Communication Agency (Bakom) RI, on Sunday (22/3/2026). “If I assess that our national interests are threatened by any agreement, then we can leave it,” he stated. The President also emphasised that all investments entering Indonesia must follow applicable regulations, especially in the management of natural resources. He assured that Indonesia remains open to cooperation with foreign parties as long as they comply with the government’s stipulations. “Regarding critical minerals, I have already said we are open, but everything must be at market price, at economic price,” he said. The government, he added, has long granted cooperation permits, such as in the case of Freeport, which now contributes significantly to the state’s revenue. “If they want to follow the rules, we permit it. They have been mining at Freeport for decades. Freeport now generates one of our largest revenues,” he said.