Prabowo Says Indonesia is the Happiest Country, Sejahtera Data is Still a Housework

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto called Indonesia the happiest country in the world, although he admitted that most people still live simply and are not yet fully prosperous.

Prabowo referred to the results of a global survey conducted jointly by Harvard University and Gallup on nearly 200 countries. In the survey, said Prabowo, Indonesia ranked first as the country with the highest level of happiness based on the answers of its citizens.

"This is touching and confusing for other nations," said Prabowo when attending the 2025 National Christmas Celebration at the Senayan Indoor Tennis, Jakarta, Monday, January 5, 2026.

However, Prabowo emphasized that happiness should not close its eyes to social realities. He admitted that many Indonesian people still live in a state of not being prosperous. "We have to be honest, most of our people live very simply. But when asked, they still say they are happy," he said.

According to Prabowo, the peaceful and harmonious conditions in the midst of a world plagued by global conflicts are one explanation. He said other nations see Indonesia as able to live in harmony in the midst of differences, even though competition and conflict still exist.

On the other hand, he emphasized that happiness must be followed by the real work of the state. Prabowo emphasized that national wealth would be meaningful if it was managed well and enjoyed by all people. The target is clear. Eliminating poverty and hunger from the Indonesian earth.

Prabowo also criticized the culture of mutual backbiting, especially among elites. He emphasized that criticism and correction were important, but defamation would damage unity. "Correction is secure. Defamation is not justified by any religion," he said.

As an example of evidence-based work, Prabowo mentioned the free nutritious meal program. He said that the beneficiaries of the program had reached around 55 million people. "We will work with evidence, not promises," he said, stressing that true happiness must be proportional to an increase in well-being.