Prabowo says 'Prabowonomics' not his personal idea, but rooted in 1945 Constitution

“I am touched that PKB, at its anniversary, so firmly conveyed its support for the new direction of our economy. I am also touched that you are wearing ‘Prabowonomics’ T-shirts,” said Prabowo.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that the economic concept often referred to as “Prabowonomics” is not his personal idea, but is grounded in the mandate of the 1945 Constitution.

“I am touched that PKB, at its anniversary, so firmly conveyed its support for the new direction of our economy. I am also touched that you are wearing ‘Prabowonomics’ T-shirts,” said Prabowo while attending the peak of the 28th anniversary celebration of the National Awakening Party (PKB) in Jakarta on Thursday evening.

Prabowo said he appreciated PKB’s support for the government’s economic policy direction. However, he considered the use of his name to describe the concept inappropriate.

According to him, the economic policies pursued by the government are not a new idea or personally his, but rather rest on the ideals of the nation’s founders as enshrined in Articles 33 and 34 of the 1945 Constitution.

“Frankly, it is not fitting for you to use my name there. My firmness of struggle, my conviction, is my conviction in the ideals of the nation’s founders, my conviction in the Proclamation of 17 August 1945, my conviction in the 1945 Constitution, especially Article 33 and Article 34,” he said.

“We want independence so that all Indonesian people can live decently. How can we provide a decent life for our people if our wealth is continuously taken, carried abroad, and not enjoyed by our people? This makes no sense,” he said.

On that occasion, Prabowo also expressed appreciation for the way PKB has shown its support for the government. He said he felt honoured by the recognition given by the party.

“You have given me extraordinary recognition. Even Gerindra does not wear T-shirts like those worn by PKB because they know I would not allow it. If you had asked for permission, I would not have granted it either. This is Pancasila economics, constitutional economics, and people’s economics. Nevertheless, I feel honoured. For that, I express my deepest gratitude,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo attended the peak of the PKB’s 28th anniversary celebration at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Thursday evening.

The President arrived at around 19:40 Western Indonesian Time, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and PKB Executive Board Chairman Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar.

Also present at the event were Gerindra Party Daily Chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia, National Mandate Party Chairman Zulkifli Hasan, and Democrat Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono.