Prabowo Urges Indonesia to Stop Relying on U.S. Economic System

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Selasa, 8 April 2025 - 19:36 WIB

Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto, has issued a statement calling for Indonesia to reduce its reliance on the American-style economic system.

In a meeting with six editors-in-chief from major national media outlets, Prabowo emphasized that the country has become too dependent—“spoiled,” even—by decades of following the economic model taught by the United States.

His remarks come in response to the U.S. government’s recent decision under former President Donald Trump to impose new trade tariffs.

These measures have significantly impacted four of Indonesia’s labor-intensive industries, such as textiles, footwear, garments, and furniture.

“The ones affected are our textile, footwear, garment, and furniture industries. These are heavy industries in terms of employment. But we’ll find a way out. We must be brave enough to explore new markets,” the president said on Tuesday (Apr 8).

President Prabowo explained that for too long, Indonesia has been a loyal follower of the free-market and globalization principles championed by the U.S. since the 1960s.

He argued that this has led to a lack of strong, independent economic policy in Indonesia.

“We’ve been too comfortable. We've followed everything America taught us—free market, globalization, open borders. We've been their most loyal student. From the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, to the 2000s—we followed, always. The most loyal,” he added.

He also stated that shifts in global economic policies, especially from major powers like the U.S., do not only affect Indonesia but have broad impacts across Europe, Asia, and Australia.

“The global situation has changed—and I’ve been warning about this for years. You can check my digital record. I’ve been saying it: Indonesia must stand on its own feet. People used to call it rhetoric, but I’ve always known—no one will help us. That’s the reality,” he said firmly.

According to the head of state, no country can rely on constant help from others. Each nation must be capable of designing and managing its own economic future.

“No one helped India. No one helped Vietnam. Every country must take care of itself,” he asserted.

Still, President Prabowo clarified that Indonesia will continue to maintain good diplomatic and economic relations with the United States.

He has tasked Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, to visit Washington and begin trade discussions, while he himself is scheduled to visit Europe in early May for similar talks.

President Prabowo acknowledged that the U.S. government’s protectionist measures are understandable, as they aim to safeguard domestic interests.

“America has the right to do so. They want to protect their people. Just imagine—some countries have trade surpluses of $200 to $300 billion with the U.S. Even Indonesia has a surplus, though it’s modest—around $18 billion,” he explained.

In closing, Prabowo urged Indonesian businesses to stop focusing solely on traditional markets like the U.S. and Europe.

Instead, he encouraged them to seek new opportunities, particularly in Africa, which he called “the emerging market of the future.”

“African countries have large populations, abundant resources, and massive market demand. Our entrepreneurs need to think long-term and stop relying on convenient markets. Why not Africa? It’s the new frontier for global trade,” he concluded.