With Widodo’s Support, Prabowo Sets Out to Modernize Indonesia’s Economy

As President Prabowo Subianto embarks on his leadership of Indonesia, he is not only inheriting the challenges of governance but also building on the economic foundation laid by his predecessor, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The support of Jokowi, Indonesia’s popular former president, has played a crucial role in Prabowo’s rise to power and provides a unique opportunity for collaboration in the effort to modernize Indonesia’s economy. This partnership, born from mutual respect and shared goals, aims to accelerate the nation’s economic growth, diversify its industries, and make Indonesia a competitive player in the global market.

Jokowi’s presidency left a significant mark on Indonesia’s economic landscape. Under his leadership, the country witnessed substantial improvements in infrastructure, social welfare programs, and the overall ease of doing business. His ambitious infrastructure projects, including new roads, airports, ports, and public transport systems, laid the groundwork for an economy better equipped to handle future challenges. Moreover, Jokowi’s efforts to reduce poverty and improve education, healthcare, and social protection helped elevate millions of Indonesians out of poverty and into the middle class.

However, despite these successes, challenges remain. Indonesia continues to face issues such as income inequality, a dependence on natural resources, slow industrial diversification, and a need for more advanced technological capabilities. These are the hurdles that Prabowo now faces, but with Jokowi’s support, he is positioned to continue and build upon the policies that brought stability and growth to the country.

Prabowo’s vision for Indonesia’s economy is centered around modernization and self-reliance. His goal is to transition Indonesia from a resource-dependent economy to one that is more diversified, technologically advanced, and globally competitive. This vision will require a significant push toward developing domestic industries, particularly in manufacturing, technology, and high-value sectors such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and digital services.

To achieve this, Prabowo plans to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and forge strategic partnerships, particularly with nations that can help transfer technology and expertise to Indonesia. His administration aims to create an environment where businesses, both domestic and foreign, can thrive. Prabowo’s policies are expected to focus on simplifying regulations, enhancing infrastructure, and providing incentives for industries that are key to the country’s long-term growth.

Prabowo’s economic agenda also includes efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Indonesia. This is a continuation of Jokowi’s reformist policies, with a greater emphasis on cutting red tape and ensuring that businesses can operate more efficiently. By creating a more investor-friendly climate, Prabowo hopes to encourage both local and international companies to invest in Indonesia, thus stimulating economic growth and job creation.

A central aspect of Prabowo’s economic modernization plan is the development of Indonesia’s digital economy. With a rapidly growing population of young, tech-savvy individuals, Indonesia has the potential to become a regional leader in the digital space. Prabowo has outlined plans to support the growth of startups, tech companies, and innovation hubs, fostering an ecosystem that nurtures digital transformation across sectors.

Jokowi’s administration laid the groundwork for this by investing in internet infrastructure and digital literacy programs. Prabowo’s government plans to build on this by supporting the development of Indonesia’s e-commerce, fintech, and smart manufacturing sectors. This will require significant investment in human capital, as well as the creation of policies that facilitate digital entrepreneurship, innovation, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Prabowo’s economic modernization agenda also includes a focus on sustainability, particularly in the energy sector. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases due to its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal. As part of his vision for modernization, Prabowo is committed to transitioning the country to a greener, more sustainable energy mix. This includes increasing investments in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal, and reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Jokowi’s administration already made strides in this area, with the development of several renewable energy projects, but Prabowo’s government plans to accelerate this shift. By investing in green technologies and encouraging private sector participation in renewable energy projects, Indonesia hopes to meet its climate goals while creating new industries and job opportunities in the green economy.

Prabowo’s presidency, with Jokowi’s backing, creates a unique opportunity for Indonesia to continue on the path of modernization without the disruptions that can often come with a new administration. Jokowi’s support provides Prabowo with a stable political environment, where policy continuity is assured. This is crucial for long-term economic projects, particularly in sectors like infrastructure and energy, where long-term planning and investment are essential.

Furthermore, Jokowi’s influence in the international arena can help Prabowo advance Indonesia’s global standing. The former president has cultivated strong diplomatic ties with key global players, and his endorsement of Prabowo can serve as a signal to international markets that Indonesia remains committed to stability, economic reforms, and regional cooperation.

While Prabowo’s economic modernization agenda is promising, it faces several challenges. Indonesia’s reliance on natural resources remains a significant obstacle, and diversifying the economy will require overcoming institutional inertia and entrenched interests. Additionally, the global economic environment, including the challenges posed by trade tensions and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, will require Prabowo to be nimble and adaptable in his economic policies.

However, with Jokowi’s support and the momentum from his predecessor’s policies, Prabowo has a strong foundation upon which to build. The path to a modernized economy will take time, but with a clear focus on technological innovation, renewable energy, and industrial diversification, Indonesia can position itself as a regional economic powerhouse in the years to come.

In conclusion, Prabowo’s presidency offers a continuation of Jokowi’s economic reforms, with an added emphasis on modernization and self-reliance. With the backing of his predecessor, Prabowo is well-positioned to lead Indonesia into a new era of economic development, marked by technological advancements, sustainability, and a more competitive economy on the global stage. The partnership between these two leaders promises a bright future for Indonesia, though its success will ultimately depend on the ability to navigate the complex challenges ahead.