In an exclusive interview with SCTV’s Retno Pinasti, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed his stance on several pressing issues that have become central to his mission. He highlighted the importance of collaboration within his cabinet, the rollout of a free nutritious meals program, and his commitment to advancing the welfare of the Indonesian people.
Prabowo underscored the role of cabinet retreats in fostering teamwork among members. He believes that understanding each member’s character and background strengthens synergy within the government. The retreat location, at the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang, was chosen for its historical significance, symbolizing the spirit of national heroes like Sultan Agung and Prince Diponegoro.
On social welfare, Prabowo expressed his firm resolve to implement a free nutritious meals program for children and pregnant women, reflecting the state’s commitment to the wellbeing of its citizens. He emphasized that access to nutrition is a fundamental right, and stated that anyone opposing this program does not belong in his administration. This initiative is expected to reduce malnutrition rates and enhance the quality of life for future generations.
Prabowo also highlighted the importance of food self-sufficiency as a cornerstone of national resilience and economic stability. He sees food independence as essential for boosting the economy by creating markets for local farmers. By aligning nutrition programs with secure markets, he hopes to raise local farmers’ incomes, thereby driving rural economic growth. Prabowo mentioned that the government is fully committed to achieving food self-sufficiency within the next 4-5 years through policies focused on food security and targeted subsidies.
In tackling corruption, Prabowo acknowledged that this challenge demands a rigorous and innovative approach. He voiced his support for the adoption of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance transparency and efficiency within government operations. With digital systems in place, oversight is expected to be stricter and more accurate, minimizing opportunities for corruption. Prabowo stressed the importance of ethics and accountability as foundational principles for public officials to serve the people honorably.
Prabowo revealed that the cabinet’s performance would be reviewed every six months. These evaluations are intended to assess each cabinet member’s dedication and patriotism. With regular assessments, he hopes that all cabinet members will remain focused and committed to serving the public’s interests. As a leader, Prabowo reminded officials of the need to stay mindful of those still living in poverty, emphasizing that no one in government should become complacent while citizens continue to struggle.
On the international stage, Prabowo reiterated that Indonesia would uphold an independent and active foreign policy. A key focus is supporting Palestine through educational assistance and peace missions. With this approach, Prabowo hopes that Indonesia can earn respect on the global stage and champion humanitarian principles worldwide.
Additionally, Prabowo emphasized the importance of supporting domestic products, expressing a desire for government vehicles to be locally manufactured as a show of support for the national industry. He believes that this policy will not only strengthen the domestic economy but also foster a sense of pride in Indonesian-made products. By integrating local products into various sectors, Prabowo is optimistic that Indonesia will become more economically self-sufficient.
Concluding the interview, Prabowo reaffirmed his commitment to tirelessly working for the people. He stressed that all his proposed programs—from food security and education to poverty alleviation—are designed to ensure that the nation’s wealth benefits all citizens, not just a select few. This commitment, he stated, is rooted in a deep love for Indonesia and the hope that every government action will truly benefit the people. (A)