Prabowo: Indonesians Must Not Admire Nations Built on Exploitation

In a powerful address to the People's Consultative Assembly (DPR), President Prabowo Subianto delivered a stark reminder to the Indonesian people: do not be dazzled by nations whose prosperity is built on the exploitation of others. His words resonated deeply, drawing a direct line from past colonial injustices to the present day.

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Let us not be too amazed by nations whose wealth comes from robbing other nations' wealth.

President Prabowo vividly recalled the era of colonialism, where the archipelago's immense wealth was systematically plundered, leaving the Indonesian people humiliated and their dignity eroded. He pointed to the Netherlands, once a global economic powerhouse, whose success was inextricably linked to its colonial ventures in Nusantara. This historical context, he argued, should serve as a perpetual lesson.

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The founders of the nation felt what imperialism was.

"Let us not be too amazed by nations whose wealth comes from robbing other nations' wealth," Prabowo declared, urging his countrymen to resist the temptation of blind admiration for foreign powers. He stressed that while learning from history is crucial to avoid repeating past mistakes, Indonesia must also stand tall and not be subservient. The President underscored that strong and united leadership is paramount to safeguard the nation's resources from external forces, a lesson etched in the annals of Indonesian history.

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A nation that does not learn from history will be punished by history.

This address, delivered as the first president to personally present the macroeconomic framework and fiscal policy priorities (KEM-PPKF) to parliament, marks a significant tradition. It underscores Prabowo's commitment to national sovereignty and self-reliance, framing economic policy not just as numbers, but as a continuation of Indonesia's struggle for true independence and dignity on the world stage. The message is clear: Indonesia's future prosperity must be built on its own strength and resources, not on the echoes of past exploitation.

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If the leaders in the Nusantara are weak and not united, then the wealth in the Nusantara will continue to be taken by forces outside the Nusantara. This is history, this happened.