President Subianto: Financial Industry Serves As Stronghold of National Sovereignty

President Prabowo Subianto delivers his remarks at the 2024 Bank Indonesia Annual Meeting, held at the Bank Indonesia Office Complex in Jakarta, Friday (11/29). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

Financial industry stakeholders play a significant role in retaining the nation’s sovereignty and independence, according to President Prabowo Subianto.

The President urged relevant parties to fulfill their responsibilities with wisdom, accountability, and integrity to safeguard the interests of the Indonesian people.

“You play an important role in managing the finances of the Indonesian people. We must protect their money with wisdom and responsibility, as it represents the blood and sweat of the Indonesian people, the hard-earned money of hundreds of millions who work very hard,” the President said in his remarks at the 2024 Bank Indonesia Annual Meeting, held at the central bank, Bank Indonesia Office Complex in Jakarta, Friday (11/29).

The Head of State pointed out that the trust entrusted to the financial sector constitutes a significant responsibility, as it is a vital component of the nation’s sovereignty.

Furthermore, the President also cited from a quote a political figure who said that the downfall of a country can begin with the collapse of its financial system.

“So, esteemed colleagues, Governor of Bank Indonesia, Minister of Finance, Chairperson of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and all financial stakeholders, your duties and responsibilities are formidable; were we to draw upon military terminology, you would be regarded as four-star generals,” the President said.

In addition, the President explained that the Indonesian nation possesses strong fundamentals and resources, stressing that policymakers must exercise their utmost care in managing state assets, preventing leaks, and fostering clean governance.

“The curse of a resource-rich nation is that it sometimes fails to properly manage and protect its resources. This is often accompanied by a sense of complacency, an attitude of indifference, and carelessness. Such negligence, coupled with a lack of vigilance, leads to unnecessary leaks,” he said.

On that occasion, the President praised the performance of financial stakeholders, including Bank Indonesia, Ministry of Finance, and the OJK, recognizing their critical role in maintaining economic stability.

He also ordered his ranks to stay committed to the ongoing effort to foster a clean government.

“On behalf of the Indonesian Government, I would like to express my gratitude to all financial stakeholders. Continue to uphold the trust of the people, strive for excellence, and prioritize the safety and well-being of the future of the Indonesian nation,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (RIF/RAS/LW)