Prabowo Urges Indonesia to Emulate Japan, South Korea Nationalism

January 12, 2026 | 10:46 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has urged Indonesia to emulate the nationalism of Japan and South Korea, arguing that these East Asian nations have achieved global dominance despite lacking the vast natural resource wealth found in Indonesia. According to Prabowo, their strength as modern powers stems from the patriotic spirit of their citizens.

"We must learn from Japan and Korea. These are nations that do not possess resources like ours, yet they are strong [because of their] strong nationalism," Prabowo stated during the inauguration of a PT Pertamina oil refinery project in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Monday, January 12, 2026, as broadcast live via the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.

Prabowo noted that nationalism in Japan and Korea is deeply ingrained in their respect for national identities, such as their national anthems. "If I am not mistaken, in Korea and Japan, there are times when everyone without exception stands in honor when the national anthem is played," he remarked.

The Gerindra Party Chairperson expressed his hope that this brand of nationalism would be integrated into Indonesian institutions, specifically within Pertamina. "This spirit of nationalism, this patriotic drive, and a love for the motherland must be driving all levels of Pertamina," he said.

He further challenged Pertamina’s senior leadership to actively cultivate this ethos within their ranks. "This is especially true for those at the top. We understand human nature; it is the leaders who determine it," the President asserted.

Prabowo stressed that leaders are duty-bound to set a moral example for their subordinates, quoting the famous educational motto of Ki Hajar Dewantara, ing ngarsa sung tuladha, which translates to "the leader must set a good example." He underscored this point with a blunt warning: "If the leader is a thief, the subordinates will not have the spirit," Prabowo concluded.

Read: Prabowo Hints at Political Dynasties in East Kalimantan

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