President Prabowo: National Development Must be Equitable, Benefit All People

President Prabowo Subianto during the inauguration event of 166 People’s Schools across 34 provinces in Banjarbaru city, South Kalimantan province, on Monday (01/12). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

National development must move beyond a sole focus on economic growth and ensure that the people directly experience its benefits, President Prabowo Subianto has said.

“Growth must be accompanied by equality. A system that does not swiftly promote equitable development provides little value to the nation,” he said at the inauguration event of 166 People’s Schools across Indonesia at the Social Welfare Education and Training Center in Banjarbaru city, South Kalimantan province, Monday (01/12).

The President underscored that the purpose of the state, as enshrined in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, is to promote public welfare and protect all the people of Indonesia, so state policies must serve the interests of all people, not merely a select few.

“The purpose of our state, the purpose of our independence, is to bring welfare, bring a better life to all the people of Indonesia. Our founding figures have stressed this multiple times,” he said.

At the inauguration event, President Prabowo expressed appreciation for the support of all parties involved in the People’s School program, a flagship government program for impoverished students, including regional leaders.

“This is our proof of action. Children who may have had difficulty accessing schools now have a hope. I am amazed today, to be honest. I’m astonished. Some students delivered a speech in several languages. Extraordinary,” he said.

The Head of State also expressed hope that the People’s School program can create an exceptional generation of Indonesians who can compete on the global stage. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/AW)