Prabowo Tells US Business Leaders: We Have Never Defaulted on Our Debt

President Prabowo Subianto delivered a firm message to American business leaders, declaring that Indonesia has never once defaulted on its debt.

He made the remarks before US entrepreneurs at the Gala Iftar Business Summit at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC on Wednesday (18/2/2026) local time.

“We have managed our economy wisely for many years. We have never defaulted, not once in our history. We have never failed to pay our debts,” Prabowo stated firmly.

Prabowo explained that in Indonesian culture, whenever there is a change of leadership, the new government always continues to honour the debt obligations of the previous regime.

“Successive governments will always honour the debts of previous governments, even though they may have been fierce political opponents of one another. The tradition in our society is to honour our obligations,” Prabowo said.

Courting Investors

Prabowo also emphasised that Indonesia remains attractive to investors. As evidence, he pointed to US$53 billion, or approximately Rp895.7 trillion (at an exchange rate of Rp16,900), in foreign direct investment (FDI) that flowed into Indonesia in 2025.

He said this serves as proof that Indonesia’s economic fundamentals are strong. State financial management has also been well maintained through fiscal discipline in accordance with regulations and low inflation.

“Foreign direct investment has also proven to be very healthy. We recorded US$53 billion last year, and I believe this reflects genuine confidence in our economy, its potential, our political stability, and our policy direction,” Prabowo affirmed.

He said his administration understands that only through stability and good governance can an attractive climate for foreign investors be created.

“No one wants to invest in a situation or atmosphere of uncertainty, instability, let alone chaos,” Prabowo stated firmly.