Prabowo Said He Was Challenged To Free Food If The Indonesian Economy Grows 8 Percent

President Prabowo Subianto/PHOTO via Instagram @prabowo

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto said that if he was challenged, he would be invited to a free dinner by a party he said came from abroad, if he was able to grow the Indonesian economy to reach 8 percent.

While giving a briefing at the 2025-2029 RPJMN Musrenbangnas at the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Jakarta, Monday, the President revealed that the challenge was put forward because the party doubted that Indonesia's economic growth could reach 8 percent according to President Prabowo Subianto's administration target.

"I was even challenged by parties from abroad who challenged me. They believe (the economy) is impossible for 8 percent. If it reaches 8 percent, I will be given free dinner," said President Prabowo as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, December 30.

The President revealed that the challenge of a free dinner allowed him to order the most expensive menu.

But Prabowo expressed optimism that in his five-year government, the economic growth target of up to 8 percent could be achieved, and these results would surprise many parties, including other countries.

The Head of State acknowledged that many parties were unsure and did not believe that the 8 percent economic growth target could be achieved.

"Not necessarily we will achieve 8 percent, but once again leaders who dare big leaders in the history of my own experience in my career as a soldier, if I face a heavy enemy I must believe I will succeed," said the President.

The President also likened the economic target to quoting the statement of the first President Soekarno who motivated it.

"Bung Karno told us to hang your dreams as high as the sky. If you don't reach the sky, you will at least fall among the stars. That's indeed the term to motivate us," said Prabowo.