Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto on Monday pledged to confront groups involved in corruption, smuggling, and other illegal economic activities, saying such practices have hindered Indonesia’s economic transformation and weakened the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking at the 2026 Pancasila Day ceremony at the Pancasila Building complex in Jakarta, Prabowo said his administration was prepared to face resistance from parties that benefit from economic leakages and oppose efforts to strengthen the national economy.

“We will face resistance from those who favor corruption, smuggling, and illegal economic activities,” Prabowo said. “We may also face opposition from those who do not love the nation and continue trying to weaken the Republic of Indonesia.”

The president said major nations must be willing to make difficult decisions that serve the interests of the people. As head of state, he pledged to defend the welfare of Indonesians and future generations through reforms aimed at ensuring the country’s natural wealth benefits its citizens more directly.

Prabowo argued that while Indonesia’s economy has expanded over recent decades, the gains have not been distributed fairly. He said much of the value generated from the country’s vast natural resources — including copper, tin, gold, rare earth minerals, nickel, coal, palm oil, and agricultural commodities — has historically been enjoyed by foreign parties rather than the Indonesian people.

To address the imbalance, Prabowo said his government is pursuing a Pancasila-based economic transformation focused on strengthening national control over strategic resources. Key measures include a planned single-channel export system for natural resources through a state-owned export company, accelerated downstream industrialization projects, and tighter management of export earnings.

He also highlighted programs aimed at reinforcing economic sovereignty, including efforts to boost food security, develop rural economies through the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives initiative, and expand the government’s free nutritious meals program.

Prabowo stressed that economic development should not be judged solely by growth figures and statistical achievements.

“Economic development must produce a better life for all Indonesians,” he said, adding that farmers should have access to affordable fertilizer, fishermen should receive fair market access, and children from poor families should receive adequate nutrition.

The president said the ultimate goal of economic transformation is to create a system that delivers greater justice and prosperity while remaining aligned with the values of Pancasila, Indonesia’s state ideology.

During the ceremony, Prabowo also described Pancasila as the foundation that has preserved Indonesia’s unity for 81 years despite its vast ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity.

He said the ideology remains highly relevant amid growing geopolitical rivalries, trade disputes, armed conflicts, and global economic uncertainty.

“In a world increasingly divided by conflict, geopolitical rivalry, trade wars, and economic uncertainty, Indonesia has a strong foundation. That foundation is Pancasila,” he said.

Prabowo expressed confidence that consistent implementation of Pancasila’s principles in politics, law, culture, and the economy would help Indonesia become a prosperous and respected nation capable of contributing to global peace.

He concluded by urging Indonesians to uphold and practice Pancasila’s values to build a just, prosperous, sovereign, and dignified nation.

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