Independence Aims for People’s Welfare, President Prabowo Says

According to the Head of State, Indonesia could survive and remain intact because of the leadership of the nation’s founders who were able to unite various groups in a spirit of unity.

President Prabowo Subianto delivers his remarks at the Mass Contract-signing for 50,030 units of mortgage under the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) and the 2025 Key Handover event, held at the Pondok Banten Indah Housing Complex, Serang city, Banten province, Saturday (12/20). Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Kris

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the founding of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia was mainly aimed at actualizing the welfare of the people. This was conveyed by the President in his remarks at the Mass Contract-Signing for 50,030 units of mortgage under the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) and the 2025 Key Handover, held hybrid at the Pondok Banten Indah Housing Complex, Serang city, Banten province, on Saturday (12/20).

The President invited all elements of the nation to be grateful for Indonesia’s journey, which has been able to unite for 80 years of independence. The Head of State reminded us that Indonesia’s independence was achieved through a long and challenging struggle, including a war of independence that involved domestic and foreign forces and interests.

“As soon as we proclaimed independence, we faced war. The war was unique because it wasn’t fought by two sides. When we declared our proclamation, the Japanese were still here, then the British came and the Dutch returned. There were those with communist ideology who formed a militia. There were those with a religious state ideology who also formed a militia. Then there was the Republic of Indonesia,” said the President.

He said Indonesia could successfully survive and remain intact because of the leadership of its founding fathers who were able to unite various groups in a spirit of unity. However, challenges to the nation’s sovereignty continued, including various attempts at intervention and separatist movements after the recognition of sovereignty.

“We are grateful that our capable leaders were young at that time. We were able to unite from various groups to face all challenges. We had just secured sovereignty, but we were constantly harassed and intervened. This is not a current situation; this is history,” said the Head of State.

The President also emphasized that Indonesia is a large and wealthy nation with no intention of interfering with other nations. However, due to its potential and strength, Indonesia often faces various external disturbances. In this context, the President reiterated the essence of the state which must always side with the people.

“Our goal of independence is the prosperity of the people. After 80 years, we must ask ourselves, are our people truly prosperous? Many of our people still live in poverty,” he added.

Through various strategic programs, including the provision of adequate housing for low-income communities, the President emphasized the Government’s commitment to continuously achieving social justice and improving the quality of life for the people, as the primary goals of independence. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/LW)