TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto said that Indonesia is one of the safest countries if World War III were to happen. The General Chair of the Gerindra Party considers Indonesia's condition to be better than most other countries.
Prabowo expressed his views during a briefing at a working meeting with ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. "If World War III were to happen now, which country would be safe? Indonesia is at the top," Prabowo said from the podium.
Prabowo said that he does not believe Indonesia's current situation is bleak. The narrative of "Dark Indonesia" was the title of one of the demonstrations protesting Prabowo's government policies in early 2025. "For me, there is no 'Dark Indonesia.' Indonesia is bright when many other countries are in difficulty," he said.
Prabowo gave examples that he believes demonstrate Indonesia's safety. In Bali, he said, there are many citizens of Russia and Ukraine while both countries are at war.
According to Prabowo, wars are happening everywhere. "Which country is not at war now? Tell me," he said.
Prabowo drew attention to the wars occurring in the Middle East. He questioned where the money and capital in the Middle East would go amid such conditions.
Prabowo sees this as an opportunity for Indonesia, which is not at war. According to him, Indonesia is one of the most sought-after investment destinations. "So, brothers and sisters, the essence is that we have a lot of potential," Prabowo said.
Currently, his government plans to build a Special Financial Zone (SFZ). The goal is to provide a platform for tourists and foreigners from countries at war to invest in Indonesia.
The government stated that it would be able to invest with attractive tax incentives and lighter regulations.
The President mentioned that the Chair of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, suggested building the SFZ in Bali. This plan has been under consideration since discussions began several years ago.
With this zone, the government hopes that investments from countries currently at war will flow into Indonesia. For example, from the Middle East or Russia and Ukraine, as Indonesia, according to Prabowo, is safe from war.
Read: Prabowo on Impeachment: No Issue if It Follows Proper Procedures
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