Prabowo Pushes Back on Critics, Calls Indonesia One of World’s Safest Nations

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto pushed back against rising domestic criticism on Wednesday, challenging skeptics of the country’s economic outlook and questioning the commitment of business elites profiting from its resources.

INSTAGRAM/presidenrepublikindonesia

CILACAP — Speaking at the launch of downstream industrial projects in Central Java, April 29, 2026, Prabowo dismissed what he described as overly pessimistic narratives, arguing that Indonesia remains stable compared with conflict-hit regions around the world.

He took aim at companies benefiting from state-issued concessions in sectors such as mining and plantations, accusing some of failing to reinvest their profits domestically.

“For too long our natural resources have been controlled by traders whose nationalism I question,” he said, signaling a tougher stance on capital outflows.

The president also addressed the increasingly popular phrase “Dark Indonesia,” used by critics to describe concerns over the country’s direction. He rejected the label outright, pointing instead to geopolitical instability elsewhere.

“Hey smart people, open the news,” Prabowo said. “We are ranked as the safest country in the world right now.”

He went further, suggesting those dissatisfied with Indonesia’s trajectory could consider leaving, underscoring his frustration with what he sees as unconstructive criticism.

The comments came during a groundbreaking ceremony for 13 second-phase downstreaming projects, part of a broader push to process natural resources domestically and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports.

Prabowo has repeatedly framed downstream industrialization as key to lifting Indonesia’s position in global supply chains, while keeping more economic value at home.

Despite external pressures on commodities such as wheat, corn and oil, he maintained that Indonesia is well-positioned to navigate global volatility.

“We will not remain a sleeping giant,” he said, adding that Indonesia is moving into a faster phase of economic transformation. ***