Prabowo: True Independence Means Every Rupiah Must Return to the People

President Prabowo Subianto delivered the Financial Note and the 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN) in a plenary session at the MPR/DPR/DPD building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8/2026). Prabowo interpreted the meaning of true independence in the context of today’s national life. He stated that the State Budget (APBN) is not merely a financial document, but a tool of the nation’s struggle.

“The APBN is an instrument to protect the people. A tool to strengthen the nation. A tool to realise the ideals of independence in achieving a better life,” Prabowo said in his speech.

The Gerindra Party chairman said that while past heroes fought to declare independence, the current task is to ensure the nation succeeds in improving the welfare of its people. He stressed that the state must be present when farmers need fertiliser and technology, when fishermen need boats and cold storage, and when workers need protection.

Prabowo further emphasised that the state must be present to fulfil the nutritional needs of children. He stated that the government must also be there when families need housing, clean water, electricity, jobs, and healthcare, as well as protection during difficult times.

“Independence is not complete just because our Red and White flag is flying,” Prabowo asserted. “True independence must be felt at the dinner tables of our people. It must be felt in the classrooms of our children. It must be felt in the community health centres and hospitals.”

He concluded by stressing that every rupiah collected by the state must return as tangible hope for the people, ensuring that independence translates into real welfare for every Indonesian family.