Realizing a Natural Resource-Based Economy: Prabowo-Gibran and National Industrial Transformation
By: Rani Harianja)*
In the era of globalization and rapid technological development, Indonesia faces a major challenge in managing natural resources (SDA) sustainably. President and vice president-elect Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka carry a vision to realize a natural resource-based economy that does not only prioritize exploitation, but is also oriented towards sustainability and community welfare.
Prabowo, who is known as a military figure who has been active for many years, has a strong commitment to optimizing the potential of Indonesia’s natural resources. He realizes that abundant natural resources must be managed wisely to encourage inclusive economic growth. In his campaign, Prabowo emphasized the importance of developing downstream industries to increase the added value of natural resources, so that they are not only raw materials for export, but also processed into high-value products.
Gibran, as a young generation and Mayor of Solo, brings a fresh perspective in leading the transformation of the national industry. He believes that technology and innovation are the keys to changing the way Indonesia manages and utilizes natural resources. Gibran is committed to encouraging the use of environmentally friendly technology in industry, so that the processing of natural resources does not damage the environment. In various forums, he conveyed the importance of collaboration between the government, business actors, and the community in creating a sustainable industrial ecosystem.
The statement by the Indonesian Minister of Industry (Menperin), Agus Gumiwang Sasmita, regarding the achievement of economic growth of 8 percent under the Prabowo-Gibran government shows very high ambitions. In this context, digital transformation is the main key to bringing the domestic industry into the era of industry 4.0. This step is not only strategic, but also crucial to increase the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the global market.
In this digital era, many countries have adopted advanced technologies to speed up production processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. To achieve these ambitious growth targets, Indonesian industries must transform quickly and be adaptive to technological developments.
This transformation also has the potential to open up new jobs and improve the quality of human resources. However, the challenges faced are not easy. Many industries in Indonesia, especially small and medium-scale ones, are still conventional and not ready to switch to a digital system. Therefore, there needs to be a systematic policy and training program to prepare the workforce to face the industrial era 4.0.
However, the ambition of 8 percent economic growth must be balanced with policies that support sustainability. It is undeniable that with increased production there will be an impact on the environment. Therefore, it is important for the government to ensure that the industrial transformation carried out is not only oriented towards growth figures, but also on environmental sustainability.
In a political context, the success of this program will also be a reflection of the Prabowo-Gibran government’s ability to realize the vision of taking Indonesia to a higher level. Success in achieving this growth target will certainly increase public and investor confidence in their government.
Chairman of the Expert Council of the National Campaign Team (TKN), Burhanuddin Abdullah said that the plan of the new government of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka to immediately focus on the development of strategic sectors starting in January 2025 is a breath of fresh air for the community. With a clear commitment to spur economic growth and improve people’s welfare, this step shows seriousness in facing complex economic challenges.
The food sector is one of the main focuses conveyed by Burhanuddin. Food security is a crucial issue that is not only related to food availability, but also to local economic stability. In the context of Indonesia which is rich in agricultural potential, strengthening local food can help create a more independent and sustainable ecosystem. This effort is expected to not only increase food supply, but also strengthen the competitiveness of local products in the market.
Focusing on the development of cooperatives and small businesses is also a very strategic step. Cooperatives and MSMEs are the backbone of the Indonesian economy, absorbing a lot of labor and making a significant contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). By providing greater support to this sector, the government can strengthen the local economic structure, increase people’s incomes, and create wider employment opportunities.
With a clear vision and mission, Prabowo-Gibran seeks to create synergy between the utilization of natural resources and the development of sustainable industries. Both hope to change the paradigm of natural resource management from merely exploiting to providing long-term benefits for the community. In this context, the creation of an inclusive and sustainable economy is not just a dream, but an inevitability that must be realized.
As leaders with different backgrounds and experiences, Prabowo and Gibran are expected to bring positive changes to Indonesia. Through a holistic and integrated approach, the pair is ambitious to create a brighter future, where natural resources are not only a source of wealth, but also a foundation for people’s welfare. The sustainable transformation of the national industry, under the leadership of Prabowo-Gibran, is expected to be a concrete step towards a more prosperous and globally competitive Indonesia.
)* The author is a People’s Economic Researcher at the Prosperous Economic Institute
