September 9, 2025 | 02:09 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto asserted that Indonesia’s economy remains stable despite two weeks of nationwide demonstrations. He credited the resilience to the awareness of national leaders who prioritize the interests of the country and its people over factional or group agendas.
“I believe we will recover faster,” Prabowo said during a media briefing in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, according to the presidential communication team.
Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia’s economic and political fundamentals are strong, pointing to positive indicators across the board. He highlighted the success of government initiatives such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which has reached 25 million beneficiaries so far.
“We hope that by December, it will reach 82.9 million. Even if not by December, I am confident it will reach the target by January 2026,” he added.
The president also noted rapid economic development in villages and districts, citing increases in farmers’ incomes and improved exchange value for agricultural products.
“We have achieved significant progress,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo acknowledged that certain parties are attempting to undermine public trust in the government, though he did not identify them. He described it as a challenge to be addressed through dialogue.
“The government will engage in dialogue with all elements of society. Currently, our focus is on addressing challenges in the job market. We have expanded potential opportunities for Indonesians across multiple sectors,” he said.
Escalating Protests
Demonstrations, which began on August 25, 2025, initially demanded the cancellation of allowance increases for members of the House of Representatives and other government decisions perceived as against public interest.
The protests escalated on August 28 when a Mobile Brigade Police tactical vehicle ran over online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan near the House of Representatives building in Central Jakarta.
Outrage led to the burning of police headquarters, regional House buildings, and acts of vandalism and looting, including the residences of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and four lawmakers.
Prabowo warned that some of the demonstrations bordered on treason. He cited the burning of the Makassar Regional House of Representatives building in South Sulawesi, which resulted in the deaths of four civil servants.
“Remember, in South Sulawesi, four innocent civil servants lost their lives. The Regional House of Representatives building was burned. This is an act of treason, not an expression of aspiration,” Prabowo said while visiting injured police officers at the Indonesian Police Hospital, Kramat Jati, Jakarta, on September 1, 2025.
Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.
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