Prabowo: Indonesia's Growth Strongest in 13 Years, 6% Target Within Reach

President Prabowo Subianto delivered his annual State of the Nation address on Friday, highlighting Indonesia's strongest first-half economic performance in over a decade and expressing confidence in achieving a 6% growth rate by year-end despite global headwinds.

Speaking before a joint session of parliament in Jakarta, Prabowo reported that Southeast Asia's largest economy expanded by 5.61% in the first quarter and 5.45% in the first half of the year. He described this as the highest first-quarter and first-semester growth in the last 13 years.

"With the right policies — rational policies based on common sense — I am confident that our economic growth can reach 6% by the end of this year," Prabowo said in his televised address.

However, the president was quick to caution that growth and investment are not ends in themselves. He argued that their success must be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.

"For me, growth and investment are not the ultimate goals. Our goal is the welfare of our people," Prabowo stated. "High growth means little if it cannot be enjoyed by our people. Much of it would not benefit us."

Ahead of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations on Monday, Prabowo emphasized that every rupiah of investment should create jobs and expand access to basic services and government assistance, particularly for lower-income Indonesians.

He also noted that key welfare initiatives, including nutritious food programs, social assistance, and hydration efforts, are no longer just plans on paper but are being implemented with benefits beginning to reach the public. He framed these achievements not as a reason for complacency but as an incentive to work harder, reminding lawmakers that independence is more than a proclamation.