Soemitro Djojohadikusumo's Thought Considered a Foundation for Indonesia's Economic Development

The Chairman of the Expert Council of the Association of Indonesian Indigenous Entrepreneurs (Asprindo), Professor Didin S. Damanhuri, believes that the thinking of economic sage Professor Dr. Soemitro Djojohadikoesoemo can serve as a foundation for building an economic system that serves the interests of the nation.

According to him, political independence must go hand in hand with economic independence in order to safeguard national sovereignty.

“Without economic sovereignty, Indonesia will only experience the next form of colonisation, albeit in a different guise,” said Professor Didin in his statement on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

Professor Didin asserted that Indonesia must strengthen self-reliance, equitable welfare distribution, and control over strategic national sectors.

The aim is none other than to ensure that one of the constitutional mandates, namely equitable national welfare, can truly be achieved in accordance with the noble ideals of the nation’s founders.

“Indonesia cannot simply depend on the global economy. The Indonesia Emas 2045 target will not be achieved if we merely become a market for global interests,” said Professor Didin.

He also stressed that the government must strengthen national industry and safeguard the management of strategic resources, because the benefits of development must be felt by society in a fair, equitable, and sustainable manner.

Professor Didin added that Soemitro’s thinking is in fact a reminder that the nation’s struggle is not yet complete.

According to him, political independence must be accompanied by economic independence.

“Without economic sovereignty, the nation will continue to face various forms of colonisation in different guises,” he said.