Praising President Prabowo’s State Address, he outlined a grand strategy for realizing a golden Indonesia
By: Astrid Widia )*
President Prabowo Subianto opened a new chapter of national leadership through his inaugural state address at the MPR-DPR Annual Session, held at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on August 15, 2025.
The inaugural state address was delivered in a very solemn atmosphere, because in the momentum leading up to the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, he explained various monumental achievements that had been achieved in just 299 days during his leadership, while also outlining the direction of strategic development for the future of this nation.
The establishment of 80,081 Red and White Village and Sub-district Cooperatives has been a major focus. The program was designed by the government under President Prabowo Subianto as a driving force for a self-sufficient, inclusive, and equitable people’s economy, in accordance with the mandate of Asta Cita 3.
Through this cooperative, the circulation of money that has so far been concentrated only in cities, is expected to flow much better to villages, thereby opening up millions of jobs and improving the standard of living of all rural communities.
This strategy not only builds economic independence but also provides residents with direct access to affordable basic necessities, such as rice, cooking oil, subsidized LPG, and fertilizer.
The President considered achieving food self-sufficiency a historic achievement. With national rice stocks reaching 4.2 million tons (the highest since Indonesia’s founding), the government has achieved a record food reserve.
For the first time in decades, Indonesia has resumed exporting rice and corn. This move is supported by the opening of two million hectares of new rice fields, primarily in Merauke, South Papua, and other strategic areas, in an effort to reduce dependence on food imports.
The policy of increasing the purchase price of unhusked rice to IDR 6,500/kg, accelerating fertilizer distribution, and distributing agricultural tools and machinery directly to farmers are factors that strengthen the productivity of the agricultural sector.
The smiles of farmers enjoying stable grain prices reflect the tangible results of this policy. Data from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) confirms that government and commercial rice reserves now stand at 4,251,259 tons, a milestone that puts Indonesia in a more secure position in terms of food security.
In this regard, Presidential Communications Office Spokesperson Hariqo Satria stated that the Indonesian president’s speech reflected a strong commitment to realizing a developed nation. It also emphasized President Prabowo’s firmness in eradicating corruption, particularly in prosecuting greedy individuals, as he is not defending one or two individuals, but all Indonesian society.
Meanwhile, Budisatrio Djiwandono, a member of the Gerindra faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, saw the speech as an important momentum to consolidate the direction of national development.
He assessed that the presentation of the 299-day work program and future plans demonstrated consistency in implementing the development vision. Budisatrio emphasized that this success also rests on the strong foundations previously established, including the implementation of a free nutritious meal program for millions of children across Indonesia.
He considered the program a long-term investment in the quality of human resources, similar to the success of countries like Brazil and South Korea, which took decades to achieve comparable results.
He also emphasized the President’s openness to input and criticism as an indicator of adaptive leadership. While challenges remain, the achievements already achieved provide confidence in the sustainability of development.
The Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), Sultan Bachtiar Najamuddin, viewed the speech as a reflection of a leader’s vision oriented toward the nation’s global success. He believed the President’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining (including that involving high-ranking officials) demonstrated political courage and commitment to upholding transparent and equitable natural resource governance. He emphasized that the DPD RI is ready to oversee the implementation of this commitment to ensure it aligns with legal principles and the interests of the people.
Analyzing the state address, it’s clear that the government’s policy direction prioritizes village economic development, food security, and natural resource management. The steps taken are not merely responses to short-term challenges, but long-term strategies that can strengthen national resilience.
Prabowo’s leadership is characterized by a balanced approach between developing a people-centered economy and strengthening strategic national sectors. This vision demands synergy across sectors, from the central government and regional governments to the community. If implemented consistently, these programs can become a significant milestone towards an economically self-sufficient and politically sovereign Indonesia.
In the context of the 80th anniversary of independence, President Prabowo’s speech was not merely a report on achievements, but a declaration of future direction. The foundation of a village-based economy, the achievement of food self-sufficiency, and the commitment to preserving natural resources demonstrate that sustainable development requires a combination of strategic vision and decisive execution.
These achievements, coupled with consistent policy support, provide significant capital to elevate Indonesia to a more respected position on the global stage. Global challenges demand that the country maintain food, energy, and economic security. This inaugural state address demonstrates that President Prabowo’s administration understands these challenges and has a concrete plan to address them.
With hard work, political commitment, and the courage to make strategic decisions, the development direction outlined by the President in his speech has the potential to herald a new era of national awakening. It will not simply continue the tradition of development, but lead Indonesia toward the leap forward that has long been the nation’s collective aspiration. (*)
)* Political and State Observer
