Prabowo Reveals Indonesia's Wealth Is Abundant, but Much Is Being 'Stolen' by Foreign Interests
Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stressed that Indonesia has a strategically important geographical position and abundant wealth. However, he admitted that many foreign ships are ‘stealing’ Indonesia’s natural wealth. This was conveyed in a speech on the Macro Economic Framework and Key Fiscal Policy Principles (KEM-PPKF) for the RAPBN 2027, delivered in the plenary meeting room of the DPR, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. Prabowo asserted that Indonesia possesses its own capital to realise the nation’s aspirations because of its strategic position. ‘Our geographic position is highly strategic. Tens of percent of world trade passes through our waters,’ he said. ‘Our land and sea are vast. Every night tens of thousands of ships bearing foreign flags take our wealth illegally, unlawfully. We must uphold our sovereignty in our own seas,’ he added.
The head of state explained Indonesia has a demographic dividend that could help boost domestic consumption. According to him, the domestic market in Indonesia could match the size of the European market. ‘We have a demographic dividend that supports domestic consumption and a large domestic market. Our market could be as big as Europe. And indeed our natural resources are abundant,’ he said.
One of Indonesia’s wealth is coal, nickel to copper and palm oil. Not only in the mining sector, Indonesia also has abundant marine wealth. However, this marine wealth is often extracted illegally by foreign ships. ‘We have commodities that are very valuable. Our coal, our nickel, our copper, our palm oil, rare earths, and our marine wealth are abundant,’ he added.
On the other hand, Prabowo emphasised that many wealthy countries seek assistance from Indonesia. He said Indonesia’s honourable position in the international arena is now at its highest level. ‘Imagine Indonesia now able to assist countries wealthier than us,’ Prabowo said.
The head of state called on all segments of society and the government apparatus to stay vigilant. International recognition should be used as a spur for motivation, not a reason to become complacent.