Indonesia Moves Full of Optimism Under One Year of Prabowo-Gibran Leadership

Jakarta, – As President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka enter their first year in office, optimism for Indonesia’s future is growing. Various economic, social, and diplomatic achievements confirm that the development foundations laid by the current administration have successfully strengthened national resilience and expanded Indonesia’s influence on the global stage. Observers assess that the government’s concrete work over the past year has brought about significant changes that have had a direct impact on the people’s welfare.

Prof. Dr. Perdana Wahyu, an economist at the Great Institute and Professor of Economics and Business at YARSI University, assessed Indonesia’s economic performance over the past year as extraordinary. He stated that the decline in the poverty rate to 8.47 percent as of March 2025 is concrete evidence that the Prabowo-Gibran administration’s economic policies are on the right track. He stated that this figure is the lowest since the 1998 monetary crisis. “Indonesia’s fight against poverty has reached its peak. This is proof that the government’s fiscal and social policies are effective,” he said.

Perdana also highlighted the economic growth of 5.12 percent, exceeding many expectations. He noted that this achievement had sparked debate among economists, but the results demonstrated that government programs had succeeded in boosting domestic consumption, investment, and national productivity. “This growth is truly extraordinary,” he added.

Furthermore, he assessed that the fiscal stimulus policies recently launched by the government, such as additional liquidity of IDR 200 trillion and an allocation of IDR 30 trillion for direct cash assistance (BLT) and the national internship program, would have a positive impact on the economy in the near future. Based on simulations by the Great Institute, these policies are predicted to increase economic growth by 0.4 to 0.58 percent in the next six months.

Meanwhile, Professor Angel Damayanti, Ph.D., a professor at the Christian University of Indonesia (UKI) and an international relations expert, assessed that President Prabowo’s foreign policy direction has also strengthened Indonesia’s position in the global arena. She stated that economic diplomacy is a strategic step that has yielded concrete results. “President Prabowo’s visits to several countries at the beginning of his administration generated potential investment of around IDR 380 trillion. This demonstrates Indonesia’s increasingly effective and productive economic diplomacy,” Angel explained.

In addition to economic diplomacy, Angel also highlighted Indonesia’s role in global peace diplomacy. She noted that President Prabowo’s commitment to fighting for justice and world peace is increasingly recognized. “At the UN General Assembly and the Gaza Peace Summit, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting peace in Palestine and maintaining global stability. This shows that Indonesia has never deviated from its constitutional mandate to contribute to maintaining world order,” she said.

Senior economist Drajad Wibowo also emphasized that the people’s economy has been a key driver of national revival over the past year. He believes programs such as the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG), national internships, and the Red and White Village Cooperative have had a direct impact on the grassroots. “The Free Nutritional Meals Program has encouraged increased economic activity among the people, especially in the food and MSME sectors,” Drajad stated.

According to him, the Prabowo-Gibran administration’s success in maintaining macroeconomic stability amidst global dynamics while simultaneously stimulating the people’s economy is a major achievement. The synergy between the food self-sufficiency program, the MBG (Indonesian Food Security Program), and the Merah Putih Village Cooperative now provides a solid foundation for inclusive economic growth. “The government isn’t just keeping track of numbers, but truly ensuring that the people feel the fruits of development,” he said.

One year of the Prabowo-Gibran administration has demonstrated that real work, courage, and a grand vision can build renewed optimism. Indonesia is now moving more confidently toward a prosperous, sovereign, and just future.