Prabowo Directs Indonesia‘s Development Push in Post-COVID Era, Prioritizes Maritime and Southern Regions
President Prabowo Subianto has outlined Indonesia’s post-COVID-19 development strategy, prioritizing the maritime sector and southern regions of the country. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Videoconference on Developing Eight (D-8) Summit in Ankara, Turkey, Prabowo emphasized the need for Indonesia to focus on its maritime potential and strengthen cooperation with southern neighbors.
"Indonesia must prioritize its maritime sector. We have the longest coastline in the world, and our maritime resources are our main assets. We need to develop this sector comprehensively, involving all relevant stakeholders," Prabowo said. He added that the government will provide comprehensive support for the maritime industry, from freight to tourism and fisheries.
Prabowo also stressed the need to boost connectivity and cooperation with Indonesia’s southern neighbors. "We must enhance connectivity with our southern neighbors. This includes improving infrastructure, facilitating trade, and promoting cultural exchange," he said.
The president welcomed new members, Bangladesh and Egypt, to the D-8 group, saying that their inclusion would enrich the organization’s diversity and strengthen its collective voice.
Prabowo’s speech came as Indonesia continues to grapple with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, the government will prioritize stimulating domestic demand and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of economic recovery.
"We will also strengthen our commitment to free trade and investment, while ensuring that our policies are fair, predictable, and aligned with our national interests," Prabowo said.
Indonesian analysts welcomed the president’s focus on the maritime sector and southern regions, describing it as a strategic shift that aligns with the country’s geopolitical position and economic potential.
"This strategy is long overdue," said Dr. Mu(Message)nir Jalil, a political analyst at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences. "Indonesia’s maritime resources and strategic location should have been the backbone of our development strategy for decades. It’s good to see the current administration finally acknowledging this."
As the world’s largest island nation, Indonesia controls strategic maritime routes that connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The government estimates that the maritime sector contributes around 11% to Indonesia’s GDP and supports about 50 million jobs.
With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the importance of self-reliance, Prabowo’s emphasis on domestic demand and MSMEs has also been met with approval. "The pandemic has shown us that we cannot rely solely on exports to drive our economy," said Fithri International, a professor of economics at the University of Indonesia. "President Prabowo’s focus on stimulating domestic demand and supporting MSMEs is a step in the right direction."
As Indonesia looks to the future, Prabowo’s development strategy is set to reshape the country’s economic and political landscape. With a focus on the maritime sector, southern regions, and domestic demand, the government aims to harness Indonesia’s unique strengths to drive growth and prosperity in the post-COVID era.
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Meta Description: President Prabowo Subianto outlines Indonesia’s post-COVID-19 development strategy, prioritizing the maritime sector and southern regions. In a speech at the D-8 Summit, Prabowo emphasized the need to leverage Indonesia’s maritime potential and strengthen cooperation with neighbors. The president’s strategy is welcomed by Indonesian analysts as a strategic shift that aligns with the country’s geopolitical position and economic potential.