Steve Forbes Praises Prabowo's Leadership, Says Indonesia Is a 'Rocket Reaching Full Speed'
JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, Steve Forbes, has expressed appreciation for the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, stating that Indonesia is becoming increasingly competitive whilst fostering a strong business climate and democracy.
Forbes made the remarks after being received by President Prabowo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (23/7/2025) afternoon. The meeting, which took place from 12:30 to 14:45, saw Forbes accompanied by CEO of Asia for Forbes Media, William Adamopoulos. The Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM, Rosan P Roeslani, was also present.
Forbes highlighted the strategic steps taken by President Prabowo in promoting economic reform, deregulation, and strengthening strategic sectors as an important foundation positioning Indonesia as a global power.
"This is a kind of leadership focus that one would want to see in any country, and we are witnessing it in Indonesia today. Therefore, we are optimistic, and sometimes it takes outsiders to recognise the good things happening, more than those who experience it every day," Forbes told reporters after the meeting.
Prabowo's leadership was also credited with creating a more conducive business climate through deregulation, increased agricultural production, and the eradication of corruption. According to Forbes, these measures are key for Indonesia to become one of the main players on the world economic stage.
"The progress that Indonesia has achieved, and more importantly, the progress that Indonesia will achieve, will be an important story at the global level and an inspiration for other countries," he added.
Forbes expressed his views on Indonesia's great potential, stating his belief that government reforms will make the country increasingly competitive on a global scale.
"We are confident that the ongoing reforms will enable Indonesia to move even further. Like a rocket that slowly takes off and then begins to move forward. We believe Indonesia is a rocket reaching full speed in terms of eliminating business obstacles, allowing the community to improve their standard of living," said Forbes.
On trade relations between Indonesia and the United States, Forbes emphasised his optimism. "We are confident that our trade with Indonesia will continue to grow, and we look forward to a very beneficial relationship between the US and Indonesia. Indonesia is a country that holds promise for the future, and that is what we need right now," he stated.
"This is a very exciting time, and we are pleased to be here to document it and also provide a platform for the world to see what we are witnessing: a great future for a great nation," he said.
Rosan added that the discussion between President Prabowo and Steve Forbes was very warm and productive, with the two exchanging ideas about Indonesia, the United States, and how relations between the two countries could be further enhanced.
"The President envisions a better future for Indonesia by collaborating openly with many countries, including the United States," he said.
Forbes also invited President Prabowo as the keynote speaker for the Global CEO Forum organised by Forbes Media on 14-15 October 2025 in Jakarta. The forum, previously held in Indonesia in 2013 and 2016, will feature more than 400 CEOs and international business leaders.
"President Prabowo will be in attendance," Forbes confirmed.
Forbes made the remarks after being received by President Prabowo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (23/7/2025) afternoon. The meeting, which took place from 12:30 to 14:45, saw Forbes accompanied by CEO of Asia for Forbes Media, William Adamopoulos. The Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM, Rosan P Roeslani, was also present.
Forbes highlighted the strategic steps taken by President Prabowo in promoting economic reform, deregulation, and strengthening strategic sectors as an important foundation positioning Indonesia as a global power.
"This is a kind of leadership focus that one would want to see in any country, and we are witnessing it in Indonesia today. Therefore, we are optimistic, and sometimes it takes outsiders to recognise the good things happening, more than those who experience it every day," Forbes told reporters after the meeting.
Prabowo's leadership was also credited with creating a more conducive business climate through deregulation, increased agricultural production, and the eradication of corruption. According to Forbes, these measures are key for Indonesia to become one of the main players on the world economic stage.
"The progress that Indonesia has achieved, and more importantly, the progress that Indonesia will achieve, will be an important story at the global level and an inspiration for other countries," he added.
Forbes expressed his views on Indonesia's great potential, stating his belief that government reforms will make the country increasingly competitive on a global scale.
"We are confident that the ongoing reforms will enable Indonesia to move even further. Like a rocket that slowly takes off and then begins to move forward. We believe Indonesia is a rocket reaching full speed in terms of eliminating business obstacles, allowing the community to improve their standard of living," said Forbes.
On trade relations between Indonesia and the United States, Forbes emphasised his optimism. "We are confident that our trade with Indonesia will continue to grow, and we look forward to a very beneficial relationship between the US and Indonesia. Indonesia is a country that holds promise for the future, and that is what we need right now," he stated.
"This is a very exciting time, and we are pleased to be here to document it and also provide a platform for the world to see what we are witnessing: a great future for a great nation," he said.
Rosan added that the discussion between President Prabowo and Steve Forbes was very warm and productive, with the two exchanging ideas about Indonesia, the United States, and how relations between the two countries could be further enhanced.
"The President envisions a better future for Indonesia by collaborating openly with many countries, including the United States," he said.
Forbes also invited President Prabowo as the keynote speaker for the Global CEO Forum organised by Forbes Media on 14-15 October 2025 in Jakarta. The forum, previously held in Indonesia in 2013 and 2016, will feature more than 400 CEOs and international business leaders.
"President Prabowo will be in attendance," Forbes confirmed.