Prabowo: Resource-rich nations often become targets for foreign interests

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has warned that countries or regions possessing an abundance of natural resources tend to frequently become targets of external interests, which can trigger conflict.

“Countries or regions on earth that are endowed with such rich natural resources often become targets,” said Prabowo during a meeting with members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Friday.

The President cited the ongoing instability in the Middle East, which continues to experience competition over reserves of gas, oil, and strategic minerals, as an example. According to him, these global historical and geopolitical dynamics should serve as a vital lesson for Indonesia as a large nation rich in natural resources.

“It is human law, it is the law of nature; wealth breeds envy. We have always been a target for hundreds of years,” Prabowo stated.

History records that the Indonesian archipelago has been hunted by foreign nations since the 16th century in an attempt to control strategic commodities such as spices and timber. At that time, spices were required as food preservatives during long voyages, while timber was utilised as the primary material for constructing maritime transport vessels.

He emphasised that the implementation of ‘divide et impera’ (divide and rule) strategies by foreign parties is not merely a historical note, but a threat that remains relevant today. To face these potential threats, the President stressed the importance of unity and synergy between all elements of the nation amidst increasingly volatile global conditions.

“All successful nations have elites that can work together. All failing nations have elites that quarrel,” said Prabowo.