Indonesian President's dollar remark sparks debate on farmer empowerment

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's recent remarks that rural communities do not use US dollars have ignited a discussion, particularly as the rupiah has weakened against the dollar. The President's statement, made in the context of the rupiah nearing Rp17,600 per dollar, suggested that this economic shift does not directly impact the daily lives of those in rural areas who primarily use the Indonesian currency.

Haedar Nashir, Chairman of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah, offered an interpretation of President Prabowo's statement. Nashir believes the President's intention was to emphasize the importance of empowering the agricultural sector and bolstering national food sovereignty amidst global economic dynamics. He advised the public to view the President's message proportionally and avoid drawing it into unrelated contexts.

"Yes, farmers in the villages don't pay with dollars, they use rupiah. But perhaps the President's intention was to empower farmers, with the spirit of building the agricultural world and independent food sovereignty," Nashir stated. He also addressed the tendency for some to link the President's comments to the fluctuating exchange rate of the rupiah against the dollar. Nashir reiterated that the President's message should be understood in its intended context: fostering optimism for the national agricultural sector and grassroots food security.