Prabowo Calls Global Crisis a 'Blessing in Disguise' for Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto described the current global crisis amid a turbulent and uncertain world as a hidden blessing, expressing confidence that the country will emerge stronger.

Prabowo made the remarks during a commemoration marking the anniversary of the Danantara Investment Management Agency at Wisma Danantara in Jakarta. He said the crisis is pushing Indonesia to accelerate the implementation of government programs.

"This crisis, in my opinion, is a blessing in disguise. Indeed, it is full of difficulties and challenges. But it forces us to accelerate our good intentions," Prabowo said on Wednesday evening, March 11, 2026.

The president said crises often create opportunities. While they can serve as a test, he added, they can also become stepping stones for progress.

"The strong will survive, the weak will continue to suffer. This is a lesson from history," he said.

Prabowo, who also chairs the Gerindra Party, expressed confidence that Indonesia, with its abundant natural resources, is well positioned to overcome the crisis. He said the situation is prompting the country to accelerate efforts to achieve food and energy self-sufficiency.

According to Prabowo, Indonesia has already made progress toward food self-sufficiency, including the ability to meet domestic rice demand without relying on imports.

Meanwhile, the government aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency within the next four years. Prabowo said the administration plans to expand electrification and develop alternative energy sources across the country.

He added that the global crisis is forcing Indonesia to speed up these efforts. With various energy resources available, he believes the country has multiple options to address future challenges.

"We have a lot of oil palm. We will soon have enough cassava. We can obtain fuel from corn, from sugarcane. Brothers and sisters, we have very large geothermal energy, if I'm not mistaken, the second largest reserves in the world, which have not been fully exploited," he said.