Prabowo Launches Cooperatives: Boosting Economic Sovereignty
Prabowo Declares War on “Serakahnomics,” Threatens Asset Seizures to Combat Food Price Manipulation
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- Prabowo Declares War on “Serakahnomics,” Threatens Asset Seizures to Combat Food Price Manipulation
Jakarta, Indonesia – President Joko widodo has issued a stern warning to powerful agricultural players accused of predatory practices and price manipulation, vowing to seize assets and transfer them to cooperatives if regulations continue to be violated. The President, speaking at a recent launch event, declared that such actions constitute “economic sabotage” and are a direct affront to national sovereignty and the well-being of the Indonesian peopel.
“Predatory Behavior,” Not business: Millions Siphoned Annually
President Widodo minced no words in describing the alleged profiteering within the agricultural sector. “Some of these millers made profits up to US$125 million per month. That’s not business, that’s predatory behavior,” he stated, highlighting the immense scale of alleged exploitation.
The President’s office estimates that Indonesia loses a staggering US$6.2 billion annually due to price manipulation and misdistribution in the agriculture and food sector. This figure, which the President labeled as “economic sabotage,” represents a notable drain on national resources that could otherwise be invested in critical public services.
The Cost of Greed: Schools Left Unfinished
The economic impact of this alleged manipulation is starkly illustrated by the potential for school renovations. President Widodo pointed out that the lost US$6.2 billion could finance the renovation of over 100,000 schools across Indonesia. In contrast, he noted, the Ministry of Finance currently struggles to renovate just 11,000 schools with a budget of $1.2 billion.”If we had that $6.2 billion back, we could fix every school in the country within three years,” he emphasized, underscoring the direct link between economic integrity and national advancement.
“Serakahnomics”: A Call to Action Against Economic Vampires
Coined as “serakahnomics” – the economics of greed – President Widodo condemned a select group of business elites who, he claims, exploit the food supply chain and manipulate subsidies. He likened these individuals to “economic vampires who drain the blood of the people.”
“This is not liberalism, socialism, or market economics. This is just plain greed. and we must stop it. I have warned them, and now we act,” the President declared, signaling a shift from rhetoric to decisive action.
In a direct challenge to those defying the law, President Widodo sought and received confirmation from the Supreme Court that the Indonesian Constitution is the highest law. “So if they defy the law, we will act,” he asserted, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding his commitment to upholding legal frameworks. He explicitly stated that if large agricultural players continue to violate regulations and manipulate food prices, he would not hesitate to use his legal authority to seize thier assets and hand them over to the cooperatives.
Directives for Inquiry and Prosecution
To enforce these warnings,President Widodo instructed the Attorney General and the National Police Chief to initiate thorough investigations and prosecute individuals found to be manipulating rice prices and misusing food subsidies. This directive signals a robust crackdown on illicit practices within the vital food sector.
National Unity and Institutional Support for Cooperatives
the President’s address was delivered at a launch event that underscored broad national support for his agenda. The gathering was attended by a formidable array of top officials, including House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani, Regional Representatives (DPD) speaker Sultan Najamudin, and several key Ministers. The presence of CEOs from major State-Owned Companies such as pertamina, Telkomsel, Kimia Farma, and pos Indonesia, alongside leaders of State Banks (Himbara), demonstrated a unified front.
commitment to Cooperatives
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Syarif Hasan, and Minister of Cooperatives, Budi Arie Setiadi, affirmed that the cooperatives will receive long-term institutional and financial support. This commitment is crucial for empowering these grassroots organizations to play a more significant role in the food supply chain and to serve as a bulwark against predatory capital. Many regional leaders and village heads also participated via video conference, reflecting the nationwide reach of this initiative.
Economic Freedom: The True meaning of Independence
President Widodo concluded his speech with a powerful reminder that true national independence is intrinsically linked to economic freedom. ”A free nation is one that feeds its people. A dignified country is one where no child goes hungry,” he stated.
He acknowledged that the government’s free nutritious meals program for schoolchildren, while a vital initiative, has only reached 6.7 million students so far. “We are not moving fast enough. But with the right