Prabowo: Strong Nationalism Fuels National Progress

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that economic growth is only possible if a nation possesses nationalism. He referenced the thinking of American sociologist Liah Greenfeld to support his view. According to Prabowo, a nation cannot progress without nationalism. “Even the forefathers of capitalism, the teachers of capitalism, say that economic growth can only come with nationalism,” he said during a speech in Lampung on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat. The Gerindra Party Chairman cited Greenfeld’s book The Spirit of Capitalism: Nationalism and Economic Growth (2001). In the book, Prabowo noted, the modern economy is described as not growing on its own. “Growth is stimulated and sustained by nationalism,” he said. This explanation, according to Prabowo, can clarify why Japan, China, the United States, and Western European countries have advanced. “Because of nationalism,” the retired Army general stated. Therefore, Prabowo said, the Indonesian nation must ask itself whether the economic system in the country is already based on nationalism. If viewed with open eyes and hearts, Prabowo said, they will realise that the current economic system is full of challenges and questions. Prabowo delivered this speech at the XVIII National Conference of HIPMI, held at the Novotel Bandar Lampung Hotel in Lampung Province from 10 to 11 June 2026. HIPMI, according to Prabowo, was also founded in the spirit of nationalism. The HIPMI National Conference served as the forum for electing a chairman for the 2026-2029 period. There are four candidates running for HIPMI chairman in this election: Ade Jona Prasetyo, Anthony Leong, Reynaldo Bryan, and Afifuddin Kalla. HIPMI estimated the conference was attended by over 2,000 participants, including executives, former chairmen, and members of the organisation.