By: Prabowo Subianto [excerpted from “National Transformation Strategy: Towards Golden Indonesia 2045,” pages 207-209, 4th softcover edition]
The future of our nation rests in our hands. If we do not take decisive actions to improve our circumstances, the state of our country will only deteriorate. Therefore, in this publication, I outline our collective duties.
First and foremost, we must protect our national wealth. It is imperative to halt the outflow of our riches to foreign countries so that we have the resources to establish factories and enhance national production. Allowing our wealth to continue leaving the country will lead us to a depletion of resources for necessary improvements.
We should establish our own car manufacturing plants in Indonesia. With the world’s largest nickel reserves at our disposal, why not focus on producing electric vehicles? Indonesians purchase a million cars annually. Shouldn’t some of these be proudly made in Indonesia?
We also need domestic motorcycle manufacturing facilities, our own aircraft production industry, and a reinforcement of PTDI (Indonesian Aerospace). Our railway carriage production and shipbuilding sectors must be bolstered as well. By fostering domestic production, Indonesian youth will have access to dignified and rewarding job opportunities. We aspire for our children to have more than just manual labor positions.
This book’s economic strategy centers on enhancing national production and productivity. National production entails goods being made by Indonesians for the Indonesian market, using Indonesian resources. If there is demand from other markets, it is an added benefit. Additionally, I advocate for the export of Indonesian-manufactured products.
If our production is robust, if we reduce imports and provide valuable goods in essential sectors such as food, clothing, basic necessities, and energy, then that is true value, isn’t it? A stronger currency would naturally follow. The rupiah would be sought after and valued. Currency strength reflects a nation’s productivity. A stable currency is a result of strong productivity.
Reflecting on the period from 2003-2013, our currency remained relatively stable for a decade. Why? Because our exports were robust. However, these exports were primarily reliant on raw materials and commodities. Unfortunately, during those prosperous years, we failed to pivot towards enhancing production or adding value through processing.
Nevertheless, I hold an optimistic outlook. We possess foundational strengths and inherent capabilities. What we need is efficient and strategic management. Indonesia has missed out on numerous opportunities. With the appropriate national strategy, I am confident that Indonesia can establish a renowned industrial presence. We will produce respected industrial goods. Ultimately, our currency will gain strength.
