Ervana Trikarinaputri, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has alleged that certain parties are deliberately pushing Indonesia into dependence on imported goods, accusing some Indonesians of acting against the country's national interests.
Prabowo made the remarks while inaugurating a Pertamina refinery in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Monday, January 12, 2026.
"I do not understand why decisions made by others end up weakening our own capabilities," Prabowo said, as quoted from a broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.
The president expressed regret that Indonesia continues to import commodities that could be produced domestically, including salt and fishery products.
"We undermine our own achievements. We are made dependent, importing rice and importing salt," he said. "Three quarters of this country is sea, yet we import fish. It is astonishing."
Prabowo also raised concerns about the energy sector, saying there had been mismanagement at state-owned energy company Pertamina in recent years.
"There have been unhealthy practices at Pertamina and in the regulation of our energy and mineral resources sector," he said.
The Gerindra Party chair added that vested interests had exploited the import system for personal gain, particularly in oil imports.
"Through imports, prices are manipulated and profits are accumulated, allowing certain individuals to become wealthy at the expense of the people," Prabowo said.
He added that since taking office from former president Joko Widodo on October 20, 2024, his administration has been committed to cleaning up Pertamina and rooting out corrupt practices.