President Prabowo Subianto Calls for Stronger National Resilience and Unity Amid Global Uncertainty

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized that Indonesia must strengthen its national resilience, safeguard its natural resources, and prioritize the interests of its people amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the main point I wish to convey, and I have said this many times, is that we are now in a situation where we must survive. We must preserve and safeguard our wealth. Our wealth and natural resources are like our blood. If keep losing our blood, our body cannot survive,” the President said during the plenary cabinet meeting on the Government’s first two years of concrete achievement for the nation, held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday (10/21).

The President also noted that  many other countries face challenges similar to Indonesia’s. The Government, he added, must therefore prioritize national interests and the people’s welfare in every policy. This principle, he said, underpins both domestic politics and international relations.

On diplomacy, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to a foreign policy that respects all countries, remains non-aligned, and prioritizes friendly relations.

“As I have said, my guiding principle in foreign policy is ‘a thousand friends are too few, one enemy is too many’,” the President said.

The Head of State explained that this approach is reflected in his ‘good neighbor policy’, which he has pursued since his tenure as Minister of Defense under President Joko Widodo. Indonesia, he said, must continue to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries without compromising its sovereignty or its constitutional mandate.

“We do not wish to align ourselves with any bloc or join any military alliance. We respect them, but we do not want to be involved. However, in accordance with our Constitution, we oppose imperialism and colonialism,” the President said.

In line with this foreign policy, the President emphasized that domestic politics must prioritize national interests over those of particular groups or factions. He also stressed that the fragile global situation requires all elements of the nation to work together, especially as political, economic, social, and defense issues become increasingly interconnected.

The President also highlighted the need for a shift in perspective in education, particularly higher education, to move beyond narrowly focused approaches. He also said that today’s global challenges require leaders and academics who can understand complex issues from a holistic perspective.

“Politics, economics, social affairs, and defense are inseparable,” the President said.

President Prabowo Subianto also warned that the international order is under severe strain, making a country’s ability to maintain its strength and resilience increasingly crucial. Against this backdrop, the President emphasized that national unity is the foundation of Indonesia’s strength.

The President added that democracy must continue to allow room for differing opinions, political competition, and criticism of the government. However, these dynamics must not come at the expense of national integrity.

“Differences are healthy, competition is necessary, and criticizing and correcting one another are essential. But ultimately, we must preserve unity,” the President remarked.

Amid a world full of uncertainty, Indonesia must remain sovereign in determining its course, resolute in safeguarding its interests, and united in advancing the welfare of its people. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (EST/MEP)