Prabowo Says He's Ready to Confront Illegal Business Practices

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto said on Monday that his administration is prepared to face resistance from groups involved in corruption, smuggling, and other illegal economic activities as it pursues economic reforms aimed at strengthening Indonesia's economy.

Speaking at the Pancasila Day commemoration ceremony in Jakarta, Prabowo said efforts to transform the national economy would likely encounter obstacles and opposition from vested interests.

"We will face obstacles, we will face challenges, and perhaps we will also face resistance from groups that favor corruption, smuggling, and illegal economic activities," Prabowo said.

The president added that resistance could also come from parties he described as lacking commitment to the country and seeking to weaken Indonesia.

"We may face resistance from those who do not love this country and who continue trying to weaken the Republic of Indonesia. But as a great nation, we must have the courage to make the right decisions, even when they are difficult. We must have the courage to defend our people," he said.

Prabowo said Indonesia must be willing to make difficult decisions that serve the public interest, even if those decisions are challenging to implement.

In his address, the president said defending the welfare of the people was part of his responsibility as Indonesia's eighth president. He also said he did not want future generations to bear the consequences of policies focused solely on short-term gains.

Prabowo said one of Indonesia's longstanding structural weaknesses was economic growth that had not been distributed evenly across society. He also said much of the value generated from the country's abundant natural resources had been enjoyed abroad, while many Indonesians had yet to fully benefit from it.

To address what he described as a leakage of national wealth, Prabowo said his administration was pursuing an economic transformation based on Pancasila principles.

The measures include a single-gate export system for natural resources, investments in downstream industries, and tighter management of export earnings.

The administration is also promoting food security programs, the Red and White Village Cooperative initiative, and the Free Nutritious Meals program as part of its broader economic agenda.

Prabowo said he believes Indonesia can avoid social divisions by consistently applying Pancasila values in politics, law, culture, and economic policy.

The remarks were delivered during the 81st anniversary of Pancasila Day, which this year carries the theme, "Pancasila Unites the Nation, Foundation of World Peace."

The ceremony was attended by former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, former vice presidents Jusuf Kalla and Ma'ruf Amin, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, cabinet ministers, military and police leaders, community figures, and students.

Read: Prabowo on Uneven Economic Growth: Let's Be Honest About Reality