Prabowo greets participants at peaceful rally backing the people's economy
Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto greeted peaceful demonstrators from Tani Merdeka Indonesia and the Indonesian Market Traders Association (APPSI) who staged a rally in support of a people’s economy on Wednesday (20 May).
A statement from the Presidential Media Team confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday said the President greeted them after attending the DPR RI plenary session at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta.
While passing in front of the parliament, President Prabowo was seen waving to the demonstrators gathered around the DPR RI Building. The greeting was met with enthusiastic response from people from various regions.
The presence of the head of state among the protesters appeared unusual, especially after he had participated in state duties at the parliament.
The peaceful action was organised by Tani Merdeka Indonesia together with APPSI, with around 3,000 people taking part in the peaceful rally.
The crowd carried banners and voiced their aspirations regarding the importance of an economic system that gives more room for small communities to grow. They voiced support for strengthening the people’s economy in line with the needs of the lower-income segments.
Aiman Adnan, Deputy Chairman of the DPN of Tani Merdeka Indonesia, on the occasion said that national economic development must provide real preferential treatment to the poor. According to Aiman, farmers, market traders, fishermen, and small business actors are an important part of Indonesia’s economy.
“For us, Indonesia’s economy should not only benefit large groups or a small handful of people. Farmers, market traders, fishermen, MSMEs, and the general public must receive the same attention and opportunity to grow,” said Aiman Adnan.
Aiman views the direction of President Prabowo’s economic policies as consistent with the constitutional mandate, especially Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which places the economy as a joint effort with the principles of kinship and social justice.
“We see the direction of the economy pursued by President Prabowo as aligned with the spirit of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, namely an economy built on togetherness, cooperation, and social justice,” he said.
The rally also served as a space for Tani Merdeka and APPSI to express their stance on several economic issues still faced by the public.
The group also urged strengthening cooperatives and village economies. Cooperatives are seen as able to unlock access to capital, expand businesses, and help farmers and traders secure better markets.