President Prabowo: Indonesia on Right Track in Alleviating Poverty, Hunger

President Prabowo Subianto, Monday (07/20), when leading a Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, affirmed that the Government is on the right track in the implementation of the national development agenda, particularly in the efforts to alleviate poverty and achieve zero hunger.

According to the President, the Government is striving to address various challenges amid ongoing global uncertainties. While acknowledging the progress that has been made, he emphasized that many issues still require attention from the Government.

“We still have many problems to solve. We have bigger dreams. There is still much work to be done, and we have a long journey ahead. Nevertheless, we can already see the results of what we have achieved so far,” he said.

One of the achievements highlighted by the President is Indonesia’s success in strengthening food security. He said that Indonesia has achieved food self-sufficiency in eight food commodities and recorded its highest-ever rice reserves and farmer exchange rate in Indonesia’s history.

In addition, Indonesia has introduced B50, a fuel blend consisting of 50 percent palm oil-based biodiesel which will eventually strengthen the national energy independency and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel.

President Prabowo acknowledged that the mandatory B50 policy initially faced opposition and challenges. However, he stressed that Indonesia must remain confident in its own capabilities and stand firm in implementing strategic policies despite the obstacles.

He also underscored that Indonesia’s national development plans are not driven by fear, but by the people’s basic needs and internationally recognized principles. The President stated that the Government’s agenda is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations.

Poverty and hunger alleviation, he added, becomes the Government’s priority that must be realized. As a member of G20 countries, Indonesia must guarantee that its people are free from hunger as mandated in SDG I: no poverty and SDG 2: zero hunger.

He went on to say that the Government has been implementing various development agendas including on health, education, gender equality, clean water, clean and affordable energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation, infrastructure, and reduced inequalities.

“SDG 3 is good health and well-being. SDG 4 is quality education. SDG 5 is gender equality. SDG 6 is clean water. SDG 7 is affordable and clean energy, followed by decent work and economic growth [SDG 8], industry, innovation, infrastructure [SDG 9], and reduced inequalities [SDG 10]. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are working on these issues,” he said.

President Prabowo also reminded the Government to be firm to pursue policies that prioritize the welfare of the people. In contrast, the President identified illegal mining, illegal plantations, illegal logging, smuggling, under-invoicing, and transfer pricing as practices that must be eliminated, as they inflict substantial losses on the state. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/TM)