Prabowo: The United States Has Helped Indonesia Through Many Critical Periods

President Prabowo Subianto described the United States as one of Indonesia’s strongest partners, outlining Washington’s significant role across various critical phases of the nation’s history.

Prabowo made the remarks at a Business Summit at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC on Wednesday (18 February 2026) local time. He said he had met numerous American business leaders and declared that the Indonesian government was open to American companies becoming strategic partners.

“I have met many American business leaders in my short time here. I am very optimistic. We want to see American companies as strategic partners. I think I have demonstrated that the Indonesian government and I myself always strive to protect our investors, to be good hosts, and to create the best atmosphere for investors,” Prabowo said.

According to Prabowo, the Indonesia-US relationship is not built solely on present-day economic interests. He stressed that Indonesia has never forgotten American support during its independence struggle and in difficult periods thereafter.

“The United States is one of our strongest partners. We never forget that the United States supported our struggle for independence. Many times the United States intervened to help Indonesia in critical times,” he said.

Prabowo cited assistance during the 1960s when Indonesia’s agricultural sector suffered setbacks due to turmoil in Southeast Asia. At that time, the United States provided support through the PL 480 programme (Public Law 480, or food aid), which he described as highly significant in aiding the country’s recovery.

Prabowo said he also conveyed the message about America’s historical role to Indonesia’s younger generation so they would not forget these contributions.

“I also tell the young generation of Indonesia not to forget the role played by the United States in the birth of our nation, both politically and economically. In the critical period of the 1960s when our agriculture collapsed due to turmoil in Southeast Asia, the United States helped us through the PL 480 programme. That was very significant,” he said.

Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the American presence in Indonesia’s economy would grow stronger. Nevertheless, he affirmed his commitment to prioritising the interests of the Indonesian people through clean governance and the enforcement of the rule of law.

“So, we hope for a stronger American presence in our economy. I want to assure you that we are working very hard for the interests of our people. The Indonesian people demand good governance, demand clean government. This is my position: clean government that will create, promote, and defend justice and the rule of law,” he said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I think that concludes my remarks. I apologise if I have taken too much of your time. I close with the hope that the relationship between the United States and Indonesia continues to flourish and that we will grow together. I believe in what I have learnt from American entrepreneurs: ‘Let us make money together.’ Win-win. Everyone profits, everyone benefits,” Prabowo continued.