Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto expressed confidence that Indonesia’s economy could grow by as much as 8%, defying skepticism both domestically and internationally. Speaking at the 2025-2029 Medium-Term National Development Plan (RPJMN) meeting at Bappenas in Jakarta on Monday (December 30), he stated that achieving such growth would surprise many.
“I am optimistic. I believe we can do great things, and we’ll astonish foreign observers,” Prabowo declared.
“There are numbers on the table—yes, I have set a target of 8% growth. Many are skeptical and don’t believe it. But we will prove them wrong,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Prabowo remained confident that Indonesia could achieve this ambitious target. Drawing from global history and his military experience, he emphasized that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with determination.
“Great leaders in history have shown bravery. From my own career as a soldier, I learned that when facing formidable adversaries, you must believe you will succeed,” he explained.
Prabowo also invoked the inspirational words of Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, who famously said, “Hang your ambitions as high as the sky. Dream as high as the sky; if you fall, you will land among the stars.”
“Bung Karno’s words still motivate us today. In the past, the Dutch said we were unfit for independence—they mocked us, saying we couldn’t even make safety pins. But we aspired for freedom, and we achieved it,” Prabowo concluded.
His remarks reflect a vision of bold ambition and determination to overcome challenges in achieving Indonesia’s economic growth and potential.
— (RR)
