May 20, 2026 | 02:16 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia is gaining greater respect on the global stage, claiming that foreign leaders now view the country as an important partner capable of helping others.Speaking at a plenary session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Prabowo said Indonesia’s international standing had improved significantly during his leadership.“My friends, when I go abroad as the President of Indonesia, I am very respected,” said the Gerindra Party chairperson.He added that several countries had sought assistance from Indonesia, particularly in fertilizer supply, citing Indonesia’s surplus production amid global disruptions caused by conflicts in the Middle East.According to Prabowo, countries including Australia, India, Brazil, and the Philippines have requested supplies.“Imagine, Indonesia can now help countries richer than us,” he said.Despite the positive outlook, Prabowo cautioned against arrogance, stressing that Indonesia still has many internal challenges to address.He urged continued confidence in overcoming national shortcomings, saying stronger governance would drive extraordinary growth.Prabowo attended the MPR plenary session to present the macroeconomic framework and main fiscal policy principles (KEM-PPKF). He became the first Indonesian president to directly deliver the document to parliament.In his presentation, he projected the rupiah exchange rate at around Rp16,800 to Rp17,500 per US dollar in the 2027 fiscal framework, emphasizing the need for stable fiscal and monetary policy to support currency stability.The government also plans to keep the 2027 budget deficit within 1.8 to 2.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), reflecting efforts to gradually narrow the gap after the 2025 deficit stood at 2.92 percent.House of Representatives Commission XI Chair Mukhamad Misbakhun said it was unusual for a president to directly present the macroeconomic framework, noting that it is typically delivered by the finance minister.“Today, it was presented directly by the President, which is a new tradition,” he said at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta.Alfitria Nefi Pratiwi contributed to the writing of this article.Read: Prabowo Targets Rupiah at 16,800-17,500 per US Dollar by 2027Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
