Jakarta. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday delivered a sharp rebuke to business owners who exploit natural resources while avoiding tax obligations and damaging protected forests, despite having received extensive state support.

Speaking before regents from across Indonesia, foreign ambassadors, and senior officials in Tangerang, Banten, Prabowo criticized entrepreneurs who benefit from government land-use concessions, low-interest state bank loans, and business permits but continue to flout regulations.

“There are businesspeople who have grown wealthy from government concessions and state bank loans. Yet they still break the rules, refuse to pay taxes, and even encroach on protected forests. They think they can dictate to the government,” Prabowo said.

The president vowed tougher enforcement against illegal activities, highlighting his administration’s crackdown on unauthorized palm oil plantations. By mid-August 2025, the state had reclaimed 3.1 million hectares of illegally cultivated land, with the figure expected to rise to 3.7 million hectares next month.

“There will be no more tolerance. Violators must pay proper compensation, or I will seize the land. I have also ordered all unlicensed mines to be secured,” he declared.

To back the crackdown, Prabowo issued Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025 on Forest Area Management, stressing that his policies are rooted in Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates that Indonesia’s land, water, and natural resources be controlled by the state for the greatest benefit of the people.

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