Indonesia at 80: Prabowo celebrates progress, but many remain sceptical
In his speech to parliament, the president highlighted savings in public spending, economic growth above 5 per cent, and new social policies, such as free meals and improved education. He reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause. But factory closures and low wages fuel doubts about the real value of the results of the president’s administration.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – In his address to the nation delivered in parliament on the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, declared in 1945 after more than three centuries of Dutch colonial rule, President Prabowo Subianto emphasised the results achieved by his administration, reiterating the importance of discipline and unity for the country's future.
Among ordinary Indonesians, his words were met with criticism, especially given the widespread economic difficulties.
Prabowo stressed his commitment to efficiency and reform, stating that his government managed to save 300 trillion Indonesian rupiah in public spending, which was previously earmarked for official travel and other unnecessary expenses.
He noted that the reallocated funds are now being directed to programmes that directly benefit the population.
The president also acknowledged that Indonesia continues to face major challenges due to significant capital flight, explaining that his administration is focusing on practical solutions to address the issue.
Prabowo, who took office in October 2024, outlined what he believes to be the main progress made by his administration, highlighting the promising economic indicators of the first nine months.
The Indonesian economy grew by 5.12 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, while investment in the first half of the year reached 942 trillion Indonesian rupiah, a 13.6 per cent increase over the previous year. This, the president claims, generated jobs for about 1.2 million people.
The government's Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis, MBG) programme was also a subject in the president’s speech to parliament.
Prabowo highlighted its impact on child and maternal nutrition, and its related role in job creation. However, critics have expressed concern that the programme has increased red tape in procuring meals.
Regarding the agricultural sector, the president expressed pride in Indonesia's growing role as an exporter of rice and corn; domestic rice production has recorded a surplus, with reserves exceeding four million tons.
Furthermore, to accelerate poverty reduction, Prabowo announced the use of the National Socio-Economic Single Data system (DTSEN), as the primary reference for distributing social assistance.
So far, 100 "People's Schools” (Sekolah Rakyat) have been established, with plans to add 200 more. Housing subsidies have also been provided to more than 200 families.
Meanwhile, school renovations have been boosted, while teacher allowances have been raised to improve the quality of human resources.
On the international stage, Prabowo confirmed Indonesia's official membership in the BRICS, a grouping of emerging global economies, while reaffirming the nation's firm support for the Palestinian cause.
“Our journey is still long, but with unity, discipline, and hard work, I am confident that Indonesia will grow into a great, just, and prosperous nation,” Prabowo said in concluding his address.
Not everyone shares the president's optimism. Speaking to AsiaNews, some Indonesians expressed scepticism regarding the government's claims, noting that little progress has been made in job creation, as more and more factories close due to rising costs and labour disputes.
Frequent worker protests for higher wages have also led some foreign investors to scale back or pull out from Indonesia. "Are we truly politically and economically independent today," they wonder, "when layoffs continue and ordinary people suffer from economic hardship?”
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