Sultan Abdurrahman, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto said that the people of Indonesia are the happiest nation in the world. He referred to the Global Flourishing Study survey conducted by researchers from Harvard University, Baylor University, and the global research institution Gallup.

Prabowo stated that the survey results showed that the Indonesian people are happy. "Out of nearly 200 countries, the country whose people, when asked, responded that they were happy, the number one country in the world right now, the people who said they are happy are the Indonesian nation. This is a touching moment for me," said Prabowo during his speech at the National Christmas celebration in 2025 at Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, January 5, 2026.

The Head of State mentioned that out of approximately 200 countries, the survey results of the Indonesian people showed that they are the happiest compared to respondents from other countries.

Prabowo mentioned that this condition touches him. "Because I understand that most of our people are still experiencing very simple lives, which we must admit are not prosperous," said the former defense minister.

Although not yet fully prosperous, Prabowo said, the Indonesian people still feel happy. "But when asked, they still say that they are happy; this is confusing for other nations and touching for me," he said.

Prabowo also claimed to have worked hard for the people along with his cabinet during his more than a year in office. "That's why, together with my assistants, we have worked very hard. For a year, we have received the mandate from the Indonesian people. I was assisted by my assistants, people whom I acknowledge as the best sons and daughters of the Indonesian nation," he said.

The study cited by Prabowo is the result of the Global Flourishing Study survey conducted collaboratively by Harvard University, Baylor University, and the global research institution Gallup. The study was published in the journal Nature Mental Health on April 30, 2025.

This research involved approximately 203,000 respondents from 22 countries on 6 continents. The researchers sought to determine the level of development or well-being of societies in different countries. They used the term most flourishing to define the countries with the highest survey results.

The research team had several assessment indicators, including aspects of spirituality, health, happiness, meaning of life, character, social relationships, and financial resilience. As a result, the responses of the people living in Indonesia showed that they are the most flourishing based on these indicators. Indonesia was followed by Israel, the Philippines, and Mexico.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2078446/survey-ranks-indonesia-happiest-nation-prabowo-respond