Prabowo's Resolve to Reclaim Indonesia's Wealth Without Being Dictated by Other Nations

Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has vowed to reclaim the country’s natural wealth without being dictated by foreign powers.

In his speech, Prabowo stated that Indonesia must determine its own prices for domestic commodity outputs, such as palm oil. He questioned why palm oil prices should be dictated by other countries, given that Indonesia is the world’s largest producer.

We find it strange that we are the world’s largest palm oil producer, yet the price of palm oil is determined by other countries. I told my ministers this must not happen; I do not want our palm oil prices to be set by other nations, Prabowo said at the DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

Our nickel price is also determined by other countries; this cannot happen. I instruct my cabinet to formulate the prices of nickel, gold, and the prices of all our mines and all commodities to be determined domestically, he added.

Prabowo said that if other countries do not wish to buy gold, palm oil, nickel, and other mining commodities from Indonesia, he would not mind.

Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia must set the prices of these commodities itself. Up to now, prices have been set by other countries.

He argued that handing natural wealth over to grandchildren is better than selling it cheaply to other nations.

Prabowo also appealed for backing from the DPR for his plan.

“If they do not wish to buy, that’s fine; let it stay underground for our grandchildren. Better than selling cheaply. I urge this assembly to support us; together we stand. It seems I am angrier about this than at many other powers,” Prabowo said.

“Our exports have always exceeded our imports. If that is the knowledge of trade, it means what we sell is more than what we buy,” he added.

The UN notes that total export-import profits from 2004 to 2025 reached US436billion, orRp7.7quadrillionatanexchangerateofRp17, 707.65perUS.