Indonesia is currently facing a critical economic issue, the persistent outflow of national wealth. A significant portion of Indonesia’s economic wealth is stored and utilized overseas, leading to a situation where the country is hemorrhaging financially. This problem has been ongoing for decades, even tracing back to the colonial period, resulting in centuries of economic bleeding.
The outward flow of Indonesia’s wealth is a longstanding issue that has been highlighted by Prabowo Subianto. He emphasizes how Indonesia’s wealth leaves the country every year, benefiting foreign nations instead of staying within its borders. This phenomenon makes all Indonesians effectively work as laborers for others, contributing to the prosperity of foreign countries at the expense of their own.
Historically, during the Dutch East India Company (VOC) era, Indonesia experienced significant wealth drainage, prompting challenges from earlier generations. The profits generated from economic growth in the region were banked in the Netherlands, illustrating the stark outward flow of wealth even during that time.
Prabowo Subianto has analyzed Indonesia’s export-import activities to understand the extent of the issue, revealing that the reported export figures might not accurately represent the actual value of exports. Export leakages due to trade misinvoicing have been estimated to be substantial, amounting to billions of dollars and trillions of Rupiah. Additionally, a significant amount of Indonesian wealth is parked overseas, hindering the country’s economic development and the ability to stimulate growth through investments and loans.
The outflow of Indonesia’s wealth is a systemic problem that needs to be addressed comprehensively. It is a longstanding issue that dates back centuries, as highlighted by historical speeches and studies. The continuous leakage of national wealth abroad contributes to the weak Indonesian currency, volatile prices of basic necessities, and increasing marginalization of the poor.
Prabowo Subianto argues for transparency and recognition of the reality of Indonesia’s economic situation. He questions why the elite remain silent on the issue of wealth outflow and calls for efforts to repatriate funds that should rightfully remain in Indonesia. Addressing this fundamental problem is crucial for the country’s economic stability and prosperity in the long run.
