Source: “Prabowo: Rekam Foto Sang Patriot,” pages 30-47
Prabowo Subianto’s relentless efforts to improve the living standards of farmers, fishermen, market traders, and the general populace of Indonesia know no bounds.
Prabowo began his humanitarian journey at a very young age alongside Soe Hok Gie. They founded Indonesia’s first NGO, the Development Institute. Prabowo then went on to serve as the Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) and the General Chairman of APPSI. He has also frequently acted in a personal capacity to assist people in need.
Prabowo was the General Chairman of HKTI from 2004 to 2015 and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Indonesian Young Farmers. With HKTI, Prabowo has fought for a better life for all Indonesian farmers by developing superior seeds, distributing farming tools, advocating for fair retail prices, and securing subsidies for Indonesia’s primary agricultural commodities.
Like Ir. Sukarno, Prabowo believes that agriculture is vital for the survival of the Indonesian nation. Thus, he personally checks on farmers’ needs and champions their causes.
Prabowo served as the General Chairman of the All Indonesia Market Traders Association (APPSI) from 2008 to 2013 and is now the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. With APPSI, he has worked to improve the livelihoods of market traders across Indonesia. The fate of these traders often depends on the support they receive from local leaders. Hence, Prabowo actively backs regional heads who have shown genuine commitment to these traders. One notable leader supported by APPSI was Ir. Joko Widodo during his 2012 campaign for Governor of Jakarta.
As a successful businessman, Prabowo donates a large portion of his profits to humanitarian causes. He has provided aid to thousands of children and adults in need of medical assistance, both personally and through various social organizations.
When disasters strike, Prabowo visits refugees to deliver essential goods such as food supplies, water pumps, and clothing.
Prabowo is also deeply committed to labor rights. In the lead-up to the 2019 Presidential Election, he was the only candidate who signed a political contract with labor organizations to fulfill 10 labor demands.
A significant example of Prabowo’s dedication to workers’ rights involved Wilfrida, a migrant worker from Belu, East Nusa Tenggara, who faced the death penalty in Malaysia. Convinced of her innocence, Prabowo hired the best lawyers in Malaysia to secure her release. Thanks to his efforts, Wilfrida was freed from the death sentence. For Prabowo, no Indonesian should ever face unfair treatment or execution abroad.
Consistently advocating for the interests of farmers and market traders, Prabowo has also been dedicated to strengthening cooperative institutions. According to Prabowo, cooperatives are crucial for ensuring that economic activities benefit the many, not just the few. He was the initiator and served as the General Chairman of the Garudayaksa Nusantara Cooperative from 2016 to 2020.
