Prabowo Subianto, the current President of Indonesia and successor of President Joko Widodo, delivered a scathing critique of neoliberal economic theory during his speech at the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB). He questioned the long-held belief that wealth concentrated at the top will eventually benefit the wider population, dismissing it as a myth that has never materialized. Prabowo emphasized the importance of Article 33 of the Constitution, which outlines the foundations for ensuring the safety and prosperity of the people, free from poverty and hunger. He highlighted the need for a state to serve its true purpose by addressing the basic needs of its citizens, stating that democracy is meaningless if people continue to face hardships. Referring to the principles of mutual cooperation and familial solidarity in Article 33, Prabowo challenged the notion of neoliberalism, which justifies inequality under the assumption of a trickle-down effect from the wealthy to the rest of society. He rejected this idea, asserting that wealth does not trickle down and emphasizing the need for a people-centered economy that serves all citizens, not just the elite. Prabowo’s speech reiterated his commitment to inclusive economic policies and his rejection of models that perpetuate inequality.
Prabowo Criticizes Neoliberal Economics: Wealth Trickle Down Myth
