Prabowo Calls on Business Leaders to Embrace 'Indonesia Inc' to End Poverty
Main Takeaways
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HAMBALANG, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, called on Indonesia’s business community to support the concept of “Indonesia Incorporated,” urging large and medium enterprises to play an active role in uplifting smaller businesses and ensuring no citizen is left behind in poverty.
Speaking before 230 members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) at his private residence in Hambalang, West Java, Prabowo underscored that business elites must align themselves with national development goals. The event marked the official send-off for a three-day leadership retreat at the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang, Central Java.
“Those in medium and large business circles can already operate independently. It is the government’s job to assist the small, micro, and underprivileged,” Prabowo said during a two-hour national outlook session. “There must be no Indonesian left living below the poverty line.”
The President called for a greater sense of solidarity, noting that prosperity limited to the few could spark social instability and harm long-term national interests.
“It is not good for a country if only a few prosper while many still suffer,” he warned. “If we let this situation continue, it will create unwanted social problems, and eventually, we all will pay the price.”
He emphasized that economic growth is sustainable only when it is inclusive. “When everyone prospers, your businesses will thrive too,” Prabowo told the entrepreneurs. “People will buy more, shop at malls, invest in property — the economy will accelerate. This is the spirit of Indonesia Inc.”
Expanding National Programs for Inclusive Growth
Prabowo outlined several ongoing government programs aimed at narrowing inequality and driving local economic activity. These include the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program to improve children’s health and support local food supply chains, a three-million housing initiative, the creation of 80,081 village cooperatives under the Merah Putih banner, free healthcare check-ups, and enhanced protections for Indonesian migrant workers.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rural development, especially in agriculture and renewable energy. “We plan to build solar power plants in every village — on one hectare of land we will install solar panels above and grow horticulture or fish farm underneath,” he explained.
Prabowo praised the business leaders for dedicating their time to the retreat, saying he hoped the program would forge a new generation of “entrepreneurial patriots” who embody the principles of Indonesia Incorporated.
Kadin Pledges Full Support
Kadin Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie expressed his appreciation for the President’s personal engagement, especially amid his packed agenda.
“President Prabowo’s message was deeply inspiring,” said Anindya. “Kadin stands ready to support the Indonesia Inc vision. As a government partner, we’re committed to driving economic growth to 8% and ensuring broad-based prosperity.”
Among the notable figures present at the event were senior business leaders Aburizal Bakrie, MS Hidayat, Suryo Bambang Sulisto, Usman Sapta Odang, Sharif Cicip Sutardjo, James T. Riady, Tomy Winata, Franky Oesman Widjaja, and Hilmi Panigoro. Also in attendance were Chairman of the Kadin Advisory Board Arsjad Rasjid, Investment Minister and CEO of Danantara Rosan Roeslani, and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.
A Nationalist Business Retreat
The leadership retreat from Aug. 8 to 10 was organized by Kadin and attended by its national and provincial leaders from across Indonesia. It aimed to instill discipline, perseverance, and a deeper sense of national duty among the country’s leading private-sector players.
According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, who issued an official statement on the event, the retreat served to reinforce the relationship between the government and the private sector in supporting national development, especially during a time of global uncertainty.
Also present at the Hambalang event were Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi, Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister Rosan Roeslani, and Secretary to the Cabinet Teddy Indra Wijaya.
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