ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto delivered opening remarks at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting held at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday, October 20, 2025. In his address, he outlined key government achievements over the past year in investment growth, job creation, and tourism development.
The President underscored that Indonesia’s strategic programs have strengthened national competitiveness and improved public welfare.
He reported that national investment realization from January to September 2025 reached USD 87.6 billion, up 13.7 percent year-on-year, and successfully created 1.9 million new jobs.
“The investment target was achieved last September. This is a remarkable milestone, showing that our investment climate remains attractive to many countries,” said President Prabowo.
Beyond investment, he highlighted the significant economic impact of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which has involved nearly 18,900 MSMEs, cooperatives, and village enterprises in its food supply network.
The Rockefeller Institute commended the MBG program, estimating a five to thirty-seven times return on every dollar spent.
“They said for every one dollar invested, the return is between five and thirty-seven dollars. That’s an extraordinary multiplier effect,” Prabowo noted.
The President also announced a 6.5 percent increase in provincial minimum wages, the highest in recent years, and extended new benefits to informal workers — including 4 million ride-hailing drivers who received their first-ever holiday bonuses.
“We continue to work with major ride-hailing companies to ensure fair treatment and secure livelihoods for drivers,” he added.
In the tourism sector, Prabowo reported a 12 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals to 14.8 million visitors in 2025, with 33 Indonesian hotels and resorts receiving Michelin star ratings.
“Even one Michelin star places us among the world’s finest. Our tourism industry has clearly risen in global recognition,” the President said.
From Legal Reform to Defense: Upholds Integrity and Determination
President Prabowo outlined key reforms in judiciary, anti-corruption measures, defense, and infrastructure development during his first year in office.
He highlighted the government’s decision to raise judges’ salaries — up to 280 percent for lower court judges — ensuring judicial independence and dignity.
“We want our judges to live honorably and never be bribed. Justice must not be for sale,” he affirmed.
Law enforcement agencies, he noted, successfully recovered USD 795 million (IDR 13 trillion) of public funds from corruption cases and redirected USD 18.7 billion (IDR 306 trillion) previously prone to misuse into citizen-focused programs.
“No more untouchables. Every corruption case must be investigated,” Prabowo asserted.
The President also lauded progress in halting illegal mining operations and reclaiming illegally occupied palm oil plantations.
“Some may protest, but those are the ones who broke the law and stole from the people,” he said.
In defense, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces (TNI) through new battalions and enhanced readiness. He also announced Indonesia’s preparedness to support peace efforts in conflict regions, including the Middle East.
“We are ready to send 20,000 personnel to support peace operations in Gaza and elsewhere if needed,” he declared.
On infrastructure, Prabowo highlighted the 535-kilometer sea wall project along Java’s northern coast, a strategic initiative to protect industrial areas and farmlands from rising sea levels.
“Sixty percent of our industries and vast rice fields lie along this coastline — we must safeguard them,” he emphasized.
Indonesia’s 5 Percent Growth
Prabowo celebrated Indonesia’s steady 5 percent economic growth, achieved amid global geopolitical and economic turbulence.
“Despite global instability, we maintained one of the world’s strongest growth rates,” he said.
Indonesia also kept its budget deficit below 3 percent of GDP and inflation around 2 percent, among the lowest in the G20.
“This is no small achievement. Many advanced economies struggle with inflation, while we maintain stability and investor confidence,” the President said.
The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) hit a record 8,000 points, reflecting strong investor trust in Indonesia’s economic fundamentals.
“Our economic foundation must remain strong — in food, energy, and water security. Focus and efficiency will keep us resilient,” he emphasized.
The poverty rate fell to 8.47 percent, the lowest in history, while unemployment dropped to 4.76 percent, the lowest since 1998.
“We cannot be complacent. Even 4.76 percent still represents many who need jobs. We must continue creating opportunities,” he cautioned.
Digital Transformation and Social Programs
President Prabowo also celebrated progress in digital governance and social inclusion.
The government launched the National Socio-Economic Single Data System (DTSEN) to ensure accurate and transparent distribution of social assistance.
“This single data system is critical for efficiency and accountability. We continue advancing digitalization to improve governance,” Prabowo said.
The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) reached 36.7 million beneficiaries within its first year, supported by 12,508 nutrition service units (SPPG), while the Free Health Check Program (CKG) provided services to 43 million citizens nationwide.
“Every citizen deserves a free annual health check on their birthday. Early detection reduces treatment costs and improves public health,” the President said.
A Strong Foundation for a Prosperous Future
The first year of the Merah Putih Cabinet has laid a solid foundation for a stronger, more independent, and prosperous Indonesia. The administration’s success in attracting investments, sustaining growth, improving welfare, and accelerating social transformation underscores Prabowo–Gibran’s vision for a resilient and future-ready nation. (AT Network)
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