Industrialization as the Roadmap to National Self-Reliance
I was deeply moved by President Prabowo Subianto’s speech during the Cabinet Meeting at the State Palace. With fiery passion, he outlined the government’s achievements and its forward-looking, optimistic agenda.
One of the most striking moments was when the President declared his determination to build a national automotive industry. He specifically proposed producing a tough Indonesian-made SUV — our own “Jeep.” At first glance, it may sound simple, but the message reignited the flame of nationalism and the spirit of national self-reliance.
In truth, Indonesia already possesses nearly half of the components and resources needed to make this dream a reality. What we truly need now are honesty, discipline, and the will to work with integrity — not the mentality of “servants of corruption” who obstruct progress.
Through this initiative, President Prabowo breathes new life into the long-discussed yet stagnant ideas of industrialization and downstream integration. Today, the direction of our national self-reliance is becoming clear. The push to develop industrialization across various sectors is both a strategic and urgent choice.
Reaffirming the Spirit of Industrialization
Industrialization is not merely about building factories across the nation. More than that, it is about transforming the structure of our economy to become more productive, resilient, and equitable.
Bung Hatta once wrote, “Even Java, with its many factories, cannot yet be called an industrial country, because the livelihood of its people still depends on agriculture.”
That statement reminds us that true industrialization is when the people themselves feel its benefits. Therefore, Indonesia must not abandon its two foundational economic pillars: agrarian and maritime. The nation’s resurgence must begin with industrialization rooted in agriculture and maritime strength — two sectors that form the lifeblood of our national prosperity.
Only then can we build an industry that genuinely serves the people — not merely strengthening large corporations, but nurturing family-based and community-driven economies.
Industrialization with the Spirit of Self-Reliance
Self-reliance is the very soul of industrialization. Without it, industrialization only creates new dependencies on foreign powers. Hence, we must strengthen national capital consolidation — a concept of cooperative national investment — as is now being initiated through the Danantara movement.
This effort reflects the founding fathers’ vision of a gotong royong (mutual cooperation) economy: a Welfare State grounded in Pancasila, built upon social justice, and oriented toward the prosperity of all citizens.
Self-reliance is not merely an economic calculation — it is also a matter of dignity and national honor. It grows through hard work, discipline, and solidarity — the courage to stand tall on our own feet.
The Road to a Sovereign Indonesia
Industrialization and national self-reliance are intertwined. Industrialization is meaningless without self-reliance, and national self-reliance stands firm only through just and equitable industrialization.
Indeed, this is the call of history echoing once again: a great nation must control its own means of production.
The Gerakan Mandiri Bangsa (National Self-Reliance Movement) invites all elements of society to think, work, and struggle together to build a strong, independent, and people-centered national economy.
Through this path, we can steadily march toward a Sovereign Indonesia, aligned with the values of Pancasila and the true spirit of independence.
