President Prabowo Subianto once again addressed the issue of stock market fluctuations. He emphasized that there is no need to worry about whether stock prices rise or fall, as long as Indonesia is able to produce enough food. During a nationwide rice planting event involving 14 provinces in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra on Wednesday (April 23, 2025), Prabowo greeted farmers and reiterated that Indonesia is a strong nation, rich in natural resources.

"Don’t worry about stocks going up or down. Do you even own stocks? No? I understand that stockholders contribute too. But as long as we can produce food, our country is safe. Indonesia is strong and rich," he said, as quoted by Antara on Thursday (April 24, 2025).

He had previously made a similar statement during the Cabinet Plenary Session on Friday (March 21, 2025), saying: “Stock prices may go up or down, but as long as we have food security, the nation is secure.”

Throughout 2025, the stock market has shown extreme volatility. The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) fell to 5,967.99 on April 7, 2025, from a high of 7,232.64 on January 23, 2025. As of the latest trading session, it stood at 6,634.37, reflecting a 6.29% year-to-date decline. Other ASEAN markets also experienced declines — Thailand dropped 17.6%, Malaysia 8.59%, the Philippines 5.52%, and Vietnam 5.5%.

President Prabowo reiterated that there’s nothing to fear, even in the face of market instability, as long as Indonesia continues to provide food for its people. He also stressed that the nation’s wealth should not be concentrated among the elite, but shared by all Indonesians.

On food security, Prabowo stated that Indonesia is not only aiming for self-sufficiency, but also aspires to become a global food supplier, helping neighboring countries for humanitarian reasons. “Indonesia will be the world’s food barn. Even now, we are already helping others. That’s something to be proud of — leading a country that gives, not begs,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to those contributing to agricultural progress, including Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, regional leaders, farmer groups, and other stakeholders. “Thank you, Minister of Agriculture. If this were the military, I’d promote you several times. He’s tanned because he’s always out in the field. If he weren’t, I’d be suspicious,” joked Prabowo.