Prabowo: Indonesia’s Economy Must Not Be Driven Solely by Statistical Indicators

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com — President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia’s economic development should not be driven solely by economic growth and statistical indicators, stressing that the success of development must be measured by the extent to which its benefits are directly felt by the people.

Speaking at the commemoration of Pancasila Day, Prabowo said economic development should improve the quality of life of all Indonesians rather than merely deliver strong growth figures.

“Economic development must not merely produce statistical figures. It must create a better life for all Indonesians,” Prabowo said in Jakarta on Monday, June 1, 2026.

According to the President, development success should be reflected in the fulfillment of people’s basic needs. Indonesian children should have access to adequate nutrition, farmers should receive affordable fertilizer on time, fishermen should enjoy fair access to markets, and workers should have opportunities to earn a decent livelihood and adequate income.

Prabowo said the principle is rooted in the concept of the Pancasila Economy, which places public welfare at the center of national development. Economic growth, he said, must go hand in hand with a more equitable distribution of prosperity.

He noted that Indonesia’s abundant natural resources must be managed responsibly for the greatest benefit of the people. The country’s natural wealth, he added, should not be viewed merely as an economic commodity but as a national asset that must be utilized for the welfare of both current and future generations.

Prabowo also emphasized that the national economy should serve the interests of the nation and its people rather than benefit only a small group.

“The economy must not benefit only a privileged few,” he said.

He said his administration’s policies—including accelerating downstream processing of natural resources, strengthening national food security, supporting cooperatives and rural economies, and implementing the Free Nutritious Meals program—are aimed at achieving those goals.

Prabowo added that the government is also working to improve the quality of education and healthcare services while strengthening economic governance to ensure that more of Indonesia’s national wealth is retained and reinvested domestically.