Remarks of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting on the Evaluation of the First Semester of Administration at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday, May 5, 2025

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good Afternoon,
Peace and Prosperity be Upon Us,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.

Distinguished Vice President Rakabuming Raka;
Coordinating Ministers, Ministers, Heads of Agencies, Chairman of the National Economic Council, the Attorney General, Head of the State Intelligence Agency, Chief of the National Police, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces and Distinguished Special Advisors to the President;
Deputy Ministers, Deputy Heads of Agencies and Special Envoys of the President, and all members of the Red and White Cabinet,

First of all, as people of faith, we must never cease to offer our praise and gratitude to the Almighty God, for Muslims, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, for granting us health and strength, so we can gather here today to hold a Plenary Cabinet Meeting of the Red and White Cabinet, the sixth plenary meeting in the first six months of our administration.

We have just gone through the first six-month milestone, it can be said that this is the first semester of our administration. Now, it’s time for us to see our report card. Is it red or satisfactory or quite satisfactory or very satisfactory? If we take a look at it objectively, I’d like to say that during six months of our administration, we have achieved quite significant things, things that are fundamental, strengthening the foundation of our revival as a nation. We have produced 28 new policies. These policies are directly related to public interests. We accomplished these things in a fairly short time, which was not expected that we were be able to achieve it in a short time. To issue 28 new policies, I have counted that the preliminary products to generate these policies are probably over 100, even close to 200. So, one policy may require several products. Whether it is a presidential decree, a government regulation, a presidential regulation, a presidential instruction, or just a circular. This is how we run this administration.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want us to objectively assess ourselves. If we are not objective, we can fall into a trap that we consider ourselves capable but in fact, we are not. We have seen that the direction of our policy is correct, while in fact it is not. I remind us to be aware that the administration of a republic, particularly a republic as large as ours, a republic that accommodates and protects more than 280 million people cannot be arbitrary. It can be likened to a pendulum at the top, moves a little, but the pendulum below moves sideways. Wrong decisions taken at the top make it difficult for those at the bottom. We have to also remember the azimuth of a compass. There is a little deviation at the beginning but after we walk several thousand meters or even kilometers, the deviation becomes very large. At the beginning, our deviation is one degree, but at the end it has majorly deviated.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In this administration, I remind all of us that the source of our power, the source of our authority is the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. We often say that, we often state that Pancasila is the foundation of our country and we always refer to it, but let us be honest with ourselves whether we have really implemented Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution truly or not? Because in my opinion, our constitution, the 1945 Constitution is truly a remarkable product. However, as I have said, in my opinion, the nation’s elite have consciously or unconsciously deviated from the 1945 Constitution. They have deviated from several fundamental things. If we talk about the deviations that I said before, at the beginning the deviation was a little, but at the end there was a major deviation.

Let me remind you that the design of our 1945 Constitution is remarkable. The design that was formulated by the founders of our nation is extraordinary. Why? Because the founders of our nation experienced; [they] experienced colonization, experienced imperialism, experienced oppression, experienced capitalism that was adopted to keep the majority of our people poor.

The founders of our nation experienced imperialist colonization; there were two imperialists: the Netherlands and Japan. Now we are good, and we should be good. We do not want to hold grudges. We do not hold grudges against the Dutch. We do not hold grudges against the Japanese. However, we were once colonized, once oppressed, our wealth was taken continuously. They kept our large number of people away from education. Our people were not allowed to be involved in trade. The majority of them were ordered to become underpaid laborers, farmers with low income, and fishermen. We must remember this, Ladies and Gentlemen. Alhamdulilah, thank God, our Cabinet governs and we should be fair and objective. We can go smoothly like this, we can be good like this because the transition of government went smoothly.
Some people call me a puppet president. I am controlled by Pak Jokowi, as if Pak Jokowi calls me every night. I said that is not true. We consult, yes. That is a wise leader, who consults for opinions, asks for advice. He was in power for 10 years, I asked to meet with him, and there is no problem with it. I met Pak SBY, no problem. I met Ibu Mega, no problem. If possible, I will meet with Gus Dur, Pak Harto, Bung Karno to ask for their advice, but it is not possible. Pak Jokowi has been successful to rule for 10 years, people like it or not. His bachelor’s certificate is questioned. Later, mine could be questioned as well, right? There are many journalists here, right now.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The world is currently full of uncertainty; the world is full of uncertainty. We feel it now, just be honest, we feel it. For decades we have been the good boy, right? When big and strong countries asked us to go to the left or right, we say yes. We follow the World Bank; we follow the IMF, don’t we? But, we also accept globalization. But now, they are leaving the system that they themselves built. Free trade, we also adopt it. [Consequently,] we are confused as explained by Minister of Finance. The Minister of Finance is currently abroad, right?

Today, economists who have studied for decades have to study again. Is it right, Professor? They have to study again. And, indeed we need to study again. But for me, we have the 1945 Constitution. The ones who designed and established it were those who saw and felt it. “Oh, this is how imperialism and colonialization feels like”. They had experiences of having colonialized by the Netherlands and Japan, experiencing the turmoil. It was perhaps for 25-28 years since our independence, [Indonesia] never stopped experiencing foreign interference. We think the Madiun incident was caused by the communist, it turned out that Muso, Semaun were the perpetrators. All were facilitated by the Netherlands. The Netherlands took over Batavia and all the airports, so how could it get to Madiun? Then DI/TII, according to the documents, the Netherlands [allegedly involved]. Not only DI/TII, Snouck Hurgronje, was also a Dutch intelligence.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I talk about this again and again because we have the power of the 1945 Constitution, particularly in the economic sector, namely the Article 33. If we look closely, every country that is rising has a kind of Article 33.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, I think we can be proud of our achievements for the six months that we have worked on. Therefore, I really appreciate and thank all the ministers, deputy ministers, heads of agencies, deputy heads of agencies in our team, in the Red and White Cabinet. We can achieve all of these because of the good cooperation between us, our teamwork exists. In six months, we hold only six plenary cabinet meetings. Limited meetings were also not too frequent. I understand that some of you may not meet me as often as we would like. However, our results, the results of our discussions, the results of our decisions are actualized, implemented and felt by the Indonesian people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

What do I want to convey? Let’s look at it with an objective and clear benchmark. One of the pillars of government in every country is whether or not we are able to maintain inflation. Our inflation is one of the lowest in the world, maybe among the five lowest countries in the world. Maybe China has lower inflation than us. Is it right, Minister of Home Affairs?

This is an achievement and I have to say, honestly, this is not because Mas Gibran is next to me, no. This is objective; this is one of the results of Pak Jokowi’s leadership and management. Perhaps, his experience as a mayor made him understand how to manage inflation, which knowledge may not be found in books, not taught at Harvard or MIT. Are there any Harvard graduates here? I am not. I am very impressed with Harvard school. I used to dream of studying there but I could not. I could only go into the bookstore (of Harvard), at least, it was part of Harvard.

Wow, I think I have talked too much. Why are journalists still here? But, we are democratic, right? Please, raise your hand if you think the journalists should be given extra five minutes here. Well, you can stay here for another five minutes then.

It’s okay, this is something good that I as, you could say that I am here as? As a team manager, right? Well, if my team succeeds, I have to praise them. I feel our team is good. I feel that the line we set is realized in the field, inflation is realized. Many countries want to learn from us about how to control inflation. Minister of Home Affairs, no need to tell it. Don’t reveal all the secrets to everyone except friends. If friends want to learn, you can tell them.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Secondly, the benchmark that can be felt, which I also feel, I feel because I have been an Indonesian for a long time. When I was a kid, my parent was a Minister of Trade. So, I saw how every Eid, every end of the year, my parent was tense. Mr. Mitro counted, collected. Every item was checked until Mr. Mitro was once in Tanjung Priok, at the pier waiting for a ship. The Government at that time wanted to intervene because of the food crisis, prices were also rising, so the Government intervened, the Government acted to ensure that on critical days the commodities were available.

And, Ladies and Gentlemen, the administration that I lead now has succeeded in maintaining the stability of food prices at times when food prices are always less controllable: Christmas, end of the year and Eid. Alhamdulillah, thank God, at the end of the year, Christmas and Eid this year during our administration, prices were stable, food stocks were available. This is all your work, the ones working in the field, the ones checking the prices.

The homecoming went smoothly. I received a report that this year’s homecoming is the best in history. It was the lowest accident rate in history, down by 30 percent, while an increase in homecoming’s traveler was greater than last year. There are some groups saying negatively, “oh, the number of travelers was lower”. I said no. It went smoothly not because the number of homecoming travelers decreased. It was not. It went smoothly because the control was smooth, and there was courage to make decisions by our ministers, by the Chief of Police, by the TNI Commander, by the Minister of Transportation. They gave me some advice, “Sir, can we implement work from anywhere?” I think this is a new thing. Does work from anywhere exist? Well, Indonesians are creative. So, they could go home long before the holidays. Indonesians are enthusiastic about going home before the holidays. But, this needed the courage to make such decision. Okay, I took the responsibility. Just go ahead. So, this is a benchmark for milestones that can be felt.

Not to mention the problems of decades ago. The debts of the poor people that have actually been written off by the banks are still being sued. Millions of our farmers, millions of our little people can no longer apply for a loan, they are forced to borrow from loan sharks, from online loans, the loan sharks with no make sense interest rates. We eliminate them. We take some actions with some risks, but still within the framework of prudent State Budget. We discipline ourselves. We noted that we could maintain our deficit at 2.5% of our GDP. However, there is no obligation.

The European Union should comply with the deficit limit in the Maastricht Treaty. What year was Maastricht, Pak Anggito? in the ‘90’s? The Maastricht Treaty set the budget deficit for the European Union members at 3 percent. Since we wanted to be a ‘nice boy’, we followed the Maastricht Treaty. Therefore, we will not have a deficit of more than 3 percent. In fact, Ladies and Gentlemen, Germany, France, Italy, they are already far above 3 percent. They violate the standards they have set themselves. Indonesia is still maintaining it below 3 percent. Therefore, our debt compared to our GDP is one of the lowest in the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our economic management control is quite prudent. In that vigilance, one thing we can and may be proud of is that we do massive savings. These massive savings allow us to implement strategic programs.

First, I also express my appreciation that we could launch our Free Nutritious Meals program on January 6 and continuously carried out the program cautiously, step by step. Until today, I have just received a report that there have been more than 1,000 points, 1,286 [points], in which the total recipient of the Free Nutritious Meals program is now above 3 million, 3.4 million in early May and it is estimated to reach 4 million by the end of May and 6 million by the end of June. By the end of August, it will reach 22 million. So, by the end of November 2025, it will reach 82.9 million beneficiaries. From the perspective of physical management, this is an extraordinary effort. Even for a catering of a wedding event that serves 3,000 guests, the catering must be overwhelmed, right? The food served by the catering rarely gets contaminated and causes food poisoning. The food served at weddings usually have similarities and expensive, right?

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Currently, there are indeed people who got food poisoning. Those who have been poisoned until today, if I’m not mistaken, are under 200 people, and only five people have been hospitalized. So, it means that those who have been poisoned or got stomachache are 200 people. It is 200 out of three point something million, if I’m not mistaken, is 0.005 (percent), meaning the success rate is 99.99 percent. Where in the world in any fields of work, involving human efforts, achieve 99.99 percent of success rate? Although we shouldn’t be satisfied too quickly, is it right, Pak Dadan? Let’s see in December 2025.
But, I appreciate it when the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and all his staff said that, “Sir, our target is zero deviations, zero mistakes”. We understand that it is not an easy thing. There are 50 people working in one kitchen which I inspected is a good kitchen. They wear a head covering, gloves, clothes like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and there you have to take off your shoes. The President also must take off his shoes, and I obey the rule. The President takes off his shoes, but the presidential security detail don’t take off their shoes because they are on duty. But in the kitchen, they should take off their shoes as well. The same thing goes for us entering the ICU, no excuses, we should take off our shoes while entering the ICU.
I mean this is an achievement. Many people did not expect, they were cynical, and many of them said that this program was impossible. Then, we prove it with good intentions, with determination, by using the right formulas. Governance is like mathematics, if the intention is good, the formula is right, the implementation is good, God willing, it will reach the target. But, if we have bad intentions, the leader comes with the intention of seeking his own wealth, his group’s wealth, his party’s wealth; well this should not be working. It’s definite. No need for smart people to make such judgement. That’s why I thank you, this is something objective.

Free Nutritious Meals program is running. Are there any shortcomings? There are. And, the shortcomings are also due to our cultural customs. I entered a room with 30 children, 20 of whom wanted to use spoons, 10 of whom didn’t want to use spoons. Well, it’s not their fault; they are used to eat without spoons. But we educate them, we teach them to wash their hands. So, it could happen that the food poisoning was caused by trivial things and the teachers love their students. Or maybe in the food package given, there might not be a spoon, right? Well, so it’s the parents’ initiative to provide spoons. This might have to be informed to the parents or we can buy spoons that aren’t too expensive.

Secondly, the implementation of Free Nutritious Meals program is also influenced by customs or habits, besides there are children who are lazy to wash their hands, unwilling to use spoons. Another factor is because some children are not used to consuming certain foods, for example, there are children who are lactose intolerant that they cannot drink milk or even they never consume milk in their whole life. So, in the first two weeks, they will have diarrhea. Since there are journalists here, so I use the common term ‘diarrhea’.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

That is the problem. Certain children have never consumed milk. We gave them milk. They need adjustment. But, overall, this nutritious food is something that I can be proud of. Many Heads of State came to Indonesia, discussing among others the Free Nutritious Meals, Ladies and Gentlemen.
On May 7, the day after tomorrow, a world figure named Bill Gates will come to Indonesia and request to meet with me. It’s been a long time he requested to meet with me, I think, it’s last November. So, I accepted the request. His purposes, among other things, are to support and show appreciation to our Free Nutritious Meals program. I feel honored, but I think we are not worthy of the compliment. We haven’t succeeded yet. We will succeed, God willing, in December 2025. If we prove that we can organize, we can deliver food every day to 82.9 million of our people in a clean, safe, and nutritious condition, we can accept the congratulations.

However, since he wants to come, I’ve heard that he wants to express solidarity to us, he even wants to help us, I don’t know what form it would take. I just say, that we are given aid or not, given rewards or not, we keep doing this. Because we believe that this is right and this is an investment in our children, that we must reduce poverty of our people.

I am often touched. I received a report from the Minister of Social Affairs, who just returned from Central Java province. He informed me that since we are also preparing to open at least a hundred boarding schools for our people in the lowest economic brackets, specifically those in the first and second income deciles. This good intention may come true this year too. The Minister of Social Affairs and the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education determined that fifty-three schools will be established in July this year. I have said many times—there’s no need to rush, but we must get it done. Nevertheless, if they are certain, they want get the best result swiftly, then please do. In the end, it’s our poorest citizens who will benefit the most.
Now, let’s return to our achievements over the past six months. During this period, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs have worked diligently to make decisions and formulate policies. As a result, the Government has received land offers from more than 200 regents and mayors across Indonesia. I stated that if regional governments could provide the land, we would proceed with construction, as funding from the State Budget had already been allocated. And I got the response that over 200 regional leaders have prepared empty plots ranging from five to eight hectares. Having five hectares dedicated to a school is a remarkable achievement, as such allocations are rare in Indonesia. Initially, I even requested 20 hectares.

What’s encouraging is the strong enthusiasm from the grassroots level. This shows that the planning carried out by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs, supported by related ministries/institutions, has been well thought out. They now clearly understand where new schools need to be built. These schools will be established in areas of concentrated poverty—places that are among the most underdeveloped and in greatest need. The preparations are well underway and will be refined over the next two to three weeks. Please ensure the implementation is effective. We have budgeted for campus construction in a way that is both cost-efficient and of good quality.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One of our real and true achievements is the production of rice and corn. I received a report that this is very successful compared to previous years. Production is now at its highest level. I have just returned from South Sumatra, where rice production currently stands at around three million tons annually. Still, this year, it’s projected to reach four million tons. What does this mean? A 25 percent increase. I believe this is a worldwide achievement, and it deserves recognition. We should not downplay our success. This is the result of our hard work, and we should proudly own it. As for government absorption, namely the volume of rice currently stored in government warehouses, I received a report stating that it has reached the highest level in our country’s history. Never before has the Government held such a large stockpile of rice.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is a significant achievement, and such achievements don’t come easily, especially in agriculture. As I mentioned, agriculture is like navigating with a compass: even a slight deviation can lead to serious consequences. If we don’t pay close attention to weather patterns, we risk facing droughts during El Niño or food crises during La Niña. Alhamdulillah, our officials are knowledgeable and capable. This isn’t mere praise—after all, when someone accomplishes something, it’s only natural that I as “the Principal” acknowledge it.

Today, I saw the food security team in action: Minister of Agriculture and team, as well as Coordinating Minister, were all focused and aligned. Fortunately, Minister of Agriculture is in Jakarta today and able to attend—something that doesn’t often occur. When I asked where he was, he answered West Kalimantan or Jambi. Since their skin darkened, you can tell the Minister and the Deputy Minister are working. I would be suspicious if their skin had not darkened.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is truly an achievement, and I can feel it. Just this morning, I received a visit from Mr. Hun Sen of Cambodia. He served as Prime Minister for 38 years and now holds the President of the Senate position. When he arrived, the first thing he mentioned—he was welcomedby Minister of Home Affairs—was, “We have noticed Indonesia’s extraordinary achievements. Your rice production has increased significantly, even reaching surplus levels. This impacts Cambodia, since Indonesia usually imports rice from us. This year, we will have to find new markets, since Indonesia will not be importing.” Is that right, Mr. Minister?

He repeated the same statement when he met me in person: “Congratulations, well done! Your country’s production is remarkable!” He also said, “The policies you have implemented are attracting attention.” Now, whether we are being considered or not, we keep working. We don’t work for recognition, but Alhamdulillah, it comes. And we must not be afraid of criticism. It’s just like being in school, when we study hard, take exams seriously, and get good grades, there will always be some who do not like it. Some people do not want to put in the effort themselves, tend to dislike those who make an effort, and think we’re trying to graduate alone. But in reality, we’re just doing the work. We study, we put in the effort, and we don’t do anything out of the ordinary.
A few months ago, this achievement—our rice production recorded a surplus in February, March, April, and May. Isn’t that right, Minister of Agriculture? The contributions of Mr. Joko Widodo, the previous President, were by no means small. I am not saying this to flatter him—he has now returned to his hometown in Solo—but I say it because it’s true. At one point during his presidency, Ministry of Agriculture was left without a minister due to an issue with the previous officeholder. When I met with Mr. Amran, it made sense since he had previously served as Minister of Agriculture and had achieved self-sufficiency in rice.

I went to President Jokowi and said, “Mr. President, since the post is vacant, I propose Mr. Amran Sulaiman—your minister from the first term.” Maybe President Jokowi was a little surprised. Perhaps he wondered why Minister of Defense was proposing a Minister of Agriculture. Many people asked me the same thing: What is the connection between defense and agriculture? My answer was simple: without food, there are no soldiers. How can we go to war? Even if we have weapons, the troops won’t be able to function without food. Second, at that time, I was still serving as Minister of Defense and had already been elected as the next president. So I believed it was also my responsibility. Perhaps President Jokowi thought of this, maybe Mr. Gibran could ask him: “Why did Minister of Defense, who is also Chairperson of Gerindra party, nominate a non-Gerindra cadre?”

I tell you: when it comes to matters of the state, the nation, and the people, the party must come second. When communicating with political parties, I always say: “Please make your recommendations, but I ask that you propose individuals who are truly the best and most capable.” That’s the consensus we’ve agreed upon. Isn’t that right, Mr. Zul? Chairperson of Golkar? Mr. Agus Harimurti? Mr. Muhaimin? I welcome your proposals, but I ask that they be the best. And if you’re confident about your recommendations, I will gladly accept it. Alhamdulillah.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the end, President Jokowi accepted the proposal, and Mr. Amran was officially inaugurated. When challenges emerged, we didn’t hesitate to approach President Jokowi to address them directly. I remember clearly—on several occasions, I was accompanied by Commander of the TNI and Chief of the National Police. Why were they involved in food affairs? Because food is a national security issue. When food is not secure, the nation is not safe. They understand this well because when national stability is threatened, they are the ones who bear the burden.

I came to President Jokowi accompanied by the TNI Commander, the Police Chief, the Agriculture Minister, and the Finance Minister, to request additional funding. What for? To address the drought. How did we plan to do it? As it turned out, the solution was quite simple. Minister of Agriculture said, “Sir, without water, we can’t plant anything.” But we found a way. Indonesia has many rivers that never dry up: Brantas in East Java, Bengawan Solo in Central Java, and Citarum in West Java. Even in Jambi, Riau, South Sumatra, and Kalimantan, major rivers flow year-round. The key was the pumps.
At that time, we were seeking funds to install 80,000 water pumps before the planting season began. It took a lot of effort. When we finally secured the funding—how the Minister of Agriculture managed it, I don’t know; maybe he reallocated parts of his budget—we somehow succeeded in procuring tens of thousands of pumps. Who would install them? We had to turn to the TNI and the Police for support. Thanks to those efforts, months and even years ago, Alhamdulillah, we are safe today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Once again, I want to emphasize the importance of a smooth transfer of power and a respectful transition. The nation moves forward when predecessors support their successors and the handover is done with dignity. National development and a nation’s journey are long-term efforts. That’s why I invite all of us to embrace a new paradigm: when it comes to the interests of the people and the nation, all leaders must be willing and able to work together.

And at today’s Plenary Cabinet [Meeting], I took a moment to express my gratitude to all Red and White Cabinet members. We have shown real results. In these first six months, we have proven that our cooperation is strong. There have been one or two shortcomings, and that is normal. Some ministers are senior and experienced, while others are still new to the role. A few days after inaugurated as president, I once took the wrong corridor at the Merdeka Palace, just trying to find the restroom. So if I, or even my spokesperson, make a mistake, it’s understandable since we are still adjusting. But if a senior official makes a mistake? That’s a different story. Mr. Airlangga, for instance, should not make a wrong statement, right? But we can be more understanding of our new ministers, like Mr. Natalius Pigai. Mr. Pigai now has to wear shoes and socks since we always check that in the Cabinet. Gus Ipul, I remember he used to skip the socks, too.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

What we have achieved is no small feat. I know many workers are currently experiencing hardships, and the Government understands. We stand ready to defend and fight for the workers’ rights because you are our children. At the same time, I want to remind all workers that we must also understand the perspective of entrepreneurs since they are the ones who own the factories, and if they face too many difficulties, they may choose to leave. Therefore, once again, Indonesia must unite and achieve harmony. In fact, some of them asked, “Sir, if possible, gather about 150 of us and 150 business figures. Please arrange a meeting at the Palace. We want to discuss our challenges openly and work together to find the best solutions.”

However, the Government has taken many extraordinary pro-poor actions and policies during Mr. Jokowi’s period and Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s period. I have neither changed nor cut those programs. Here are representatives from the Ministry of Finance, two Deputy Ministers, and the Minister of Social Affairs—the total budget we allocate to help poor or struggling people in all sectors is more than Rp500 trillion, right? Rp500 trillion, including electricity subsidy, the total is Rp500 trillion. And I have not changed this; it is the policy of the previous administrations, that we are a real welfare state.

So, I also told the entrepreneurs, “The wages you pay to workers are relatively lower compared to our neighbors.” Since the Government provides direct cash assistance through programs like the Family Hope Program, direct transfers, and others, totaling Rp500 trillion or more than US$30 billion, this does not include the free nutritious meal program. This means that all workers’ children receive meals, with a total budget, by the end of this year, of Rp170 trillion, which is more than US$10 billion. So, if it’s combined, that’s 30 plus 10, a total of US$40 billion to help the bottom two income deciles and the middle class.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please study our hundreds of policies. Also, for the first time, we have cut the complicated fertilizer distribution system, so that it goes directly from the factory to the farmer groups. We have abandoned 144 regulations, no longer needing permission from the governors or regents. The farmers have asked for this, and they will get it. When we simplify the distribution, production will increase.

They also expressed their gratitude. More than 100 million farmers have felt their income increase, because we enforce the basic price of unhulled harvested rice and require rice millers (to process it). I warn stubborn rice millers who buy from farmers after the harvest season and who buy at the lowest possible price that we will revoke their business licenses. I am not playing around, since my basis is the 1945 Constitution Article 33, which gives me the authority: sources of production that control the livelihoods of many people are controlled by the state and used as much as possible for the people’s ability, and I will not hesitate to use that.

When I asked the Supreme Court justices how to interpret it, they said, “There’s no need to interpret it. It is already clear.” Do rice millers control the livelihoods of many people? Of course they do. So they must comply. Yes, you may profit—but not at the expense of farmers’ suffering. That is not acceptable. You have a choice: operate fairly, or we will shut you down and seal your premises with police tape.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Article 33 of the Constitution is powerful. We are Indonesia Incorporated. Entrepreneurs must be allowed to profit, but not exploit people’s suffering. Profit is allowed, but the people and farmers must also benefit. This is not a new idea; many countries do the same. I do not claim to be the smartest person, but if needed, I will gladly learn from those who are. We can adopt best practices. India, for example, has been implementing such policies for decades. Alhamdulillah, thanks to our firm stance, farmers are starting to feel the results. Some of them say they have never earned this much during a harvest season. And, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve received a report showing our rice stock levels are the highest they have been in the last 57 years. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have reached this point together. This is one of our achievements…

These journalists have been here for more than five minutes. So, how is it? Are they allowed to continue or not? They may. However, if I start scolding the ministers, you all may leave. But when I’m praising them, you’re all welcome to stay. So now, I have to look for mistakes from my ministers. But honestly, when I try to find faults, I see that you all are working well. Well, how can it be otherwise? I’m like a school principal, and my students are performing well. So what can I do?

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One of the achievements we need to highlight is that we succeeded in establishing an investment fund to consolidate our assets, Danantara, Daya Anagata Nusantara, which we accomplished within four months of our administration—if I’m not mistaken, on February 24th, right? Two plus four equals six. The second month: six plus two equals eight. So, 2025 is nine. Eight plus nine equals seventeen, one plus seven equals eight, meaning it’s a good date—Danantara succeeded.

Do you know the history behind the number 08? Mr. Luhut Pandjaitan gave that number because he was the commander, and I was the deputy. “Wo, I’m the commander, 09 is mine, you’re 08.” Ready! It stuck, until even the president had to have the number eight.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Danantara is extraordinary; we did not realize how wealthy we are. After consolidating, we were surprised that our assets under management amount to US$982 billion, so let’s say around 900 billion. And we say this is assets under management. Some say this and that, but we manage it—that’s what we are saying. Suddenly, we realized there were more and more assets.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Entrepreneurs told me that the GBK Senayan complex was valued at US$25 billion ten years ago, so maybe its value has increased. Mr. Rosan, how much is it now, maybe 30 billion? It’s around 30 billion. So if we add 982 plus 30, we have already reached US$1 trillion, which frankly, many of our leaders don’t understand.

Now, sometimes some of our bureaucrats are clever—they hide assets. I ask the ministers to review the ministries that have many assets. When assets are hidden, many won’t know, even though there have been three or four minister changes, or even three presidential changes. If it’s like that, how can it be? The state’s assets could disappear.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Strong countries uphold Article 33: the state controls the land, water, and all natural resources. For decades, our resources were controlled by certain groups—take the Senayan area, for example, which covers around 200 hectares. Minister of SOEs, Minister of State Secretary? It turns out there is more. The Kemayoran area alone is over 400 hectares. Why are you laughing again, Minister of State Secretary? Over 400 hectares, maybe worth around US$40 billion. Later, this too will be handed over and managed by Danantara. That means we are already talking about roughly Rp1,040 trillion.

We haven’t even checked the assets spread across the entire country. Is Mr. Nusron here? Please check thoroughly. We are wealthy. Review all expired land rights/building rights concessions—they must return to the state. We are wealthy.

Now, I can confidently say wherever I go, “Wow, Indonesia has a sovereign wealth fund.” Even when it was Rp900 trillion, people were amazed. Now that it has reached Rp1 trillion, even more so. Many think this is money ready to be distributed, but we need to manage it wisely.
(JAS/GWH/MMB)