Prabowo Promotes Cooperation Against Transborder Crime at APEC

Gyeongju: President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that empowering small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and multilateral cooperation in combating transborder crime are key to a resilient, equitable, and sustainable Asia-Pacific region. President Prabowo made this statement while attending the first session of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) at the Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), Gyeongju, South Korea.

President Prabowo also highlighted the serious threats posed by smuggling, money laundering, human trafficking, and narcotics, which he said could undermine the region's economic stability if not addressed together.

"We cannot address these dangers alone. Smuggling, fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and narcotics pose a real threat to the future of our economy," President Prabowo stated, as quoted from Setkab.go.id, Friday, October 31, 2025.

Regarding MSMEs, the President emphasized that economic growth must be inclusive and bring prosperity to all parties. According to him, collaboration between the government and the private sector must be oriented towards a people-centered economy.

"APEC must ensure that the benefits of trade and investment reach everyone so that no economy is left behind. Our public-private collaboration needs to focus on cooperation and a people-centered economy," said President Prabowo.

The President also outlined concrete steps Indonesia has taken through national empowerment programs for MSMEs and cooperatives, as well as increasing digital and financial access that helps MSMEs integrate into global value chains.

"In Indonesia, we apply this principle through national programs that empower small businesses and cooperatives to optimize their potential, improve welfare, and contribute to a more sustainable future," said the President.

The President added that Indonesia is currently battling corruption and greedy businesspeople to create equitable growth. With this experience, Indonesia is ready to act as a "bridge" between developed and developing economies in facing global challenges.

"We are fighting corruption, fraud, and greedy businesspeople who hinder real growth. These experiences may position Indonesia as a bridge between developed and developing economies in facing future challenges," said the President.

President Prabowo concluded his speech with a call to strengthen concrete cooperation under the spirit of multilateralism to ensure APEC benefits all people in the region. "Let us work together to achieve this goal," the President concluded.