Prabowo Urges Indonesia to Stop Relying on U.S. Economic System
- YouTube tvOne
Jakarta, VoxPop – 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.
