At The G20 Rio De Janeiro Summit, Prabowo Affirms Indonesia's Commitment To Combat Starvation And Poverty

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (center) in the first session of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday (18/11/2024) local time. (ANTARA/HO-Biro Press of the Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized Indonesia's commitment to tackling hunger and poverty, as well as making these two issues a national priority.

This was conveyed when he spoke in the first session of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday local time.

"We have the 4th largest population, so hunger and poverty for us are real daily issues," said President Prabowo, quoted from the press release of the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat, Antara, Tuesday, November 19.

Prabowo explained that his government places hunger and poverty as a national priority. In fact, his government has also allocated a large budget for education.

"I believe education will get us out of poverty. Free food programs for children are also part of our strategy to ensure the younger generation gets the benefits of education," said the President.

The Head of State also conveyed a concrete plan to achieve food and energy security in Indonesia. Prabowo is optimistic that his government can overcome the problem of hunger in the next three years.

"We will be independent in terms of energy in four years, and in five years we are confident that we can contribute to the Global Alliance Against Poverty and Starvation," said the President.

In addition to food and energy issues, Prabowo also emphasized that global economic issues cannot be separated from geopolitical dynamics.

The President called for a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict, including in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as encouraging G20 member countries to strengthen multilateral collaboration in facing these global challenges.

"We urge an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza. Only with peace and stability can we overcome poverty and hunger," said the President.

Also accompanying President Prabowo at this summit were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.