The INDONESIAN, October 29, 2025 — President of the Haidar Alwi Institute (HAI) and Founder of Haidar Alwi Care (HAC), Ir. Haidar Alwi, M.T., voiced deep concern over the stark disparity between Indonesia’s abundant natural resources and the welfare of its people.
In his reflection delivered in Jakarta, Haidar Alwi highlighted the long-standing irony that Indonesia, a land of immense riches, has yet to achieve full sovereignty over its own natural wealth.
“From Freeport in Papua to the mines in Sumatra and Halmahera, trillions of rupiah flow every year. Yet, only a small portion truly returns to the people,” said Haidar Alwi with concern.
According to him, Indonesia’s soil holds strategic resources coveted by the world gold, nickel, copper, bauxite, and rare earth elements the essential materials for modern technologies such as batteries, semiconductors, and satellites.
Indonesia’s seas are also abundant with fish, its tropical forests serve as the lungs of the Earth with billions of tons of carbon reserves, and its geothermal energy potential ranks among the largest in the world. Yet, amid this vast natural wealth, many Indonesians continue to struggle simply to make ends meet.
“In cities, young people are desperately looking for jobs. In villages, farmers stare at shrinking rice fields sold off for mining permits. It’s an irony our resources are vast, but their benefits are unjustly distributed,” Haidar asserted.
He emphasized that the root cause lies not merely in the nation’s technical capacity, but in the erosion of economic and political sovereignty. Contracts, policies, and partnerships that should prioritize national interests often end up weakening Indonesia’s position in the face of global corporate powers.
“The most subtle form of colonization no longer comes with weapons,” Haidar said softly.
“It comes through signatures on contracts, approved in formal meetings, and celebrated with smiles in front of cameras all in the name of development.”
Through the Haidar Alwi Institute and Haidar Alwi Care, Haidar calls on all elements of the nation to revive the spirit of sovereignty and economic justice. True development, he believes, is not merely about growth figures but about prioritizing humanity and national dignity.
“We must not remain spectators in our own land. Indonesia’s wealth must be managed with sovereignty, transparency, and in favor of the people,” Haidar concluded.
About Haidar Alwi Institute (HAI)
Haidar Alwi Institute is a research, advocacy, and national policy think-tank focused on issues of national sovereignty, governmental integrity, and community empowerment.
About Haidar Alwi Care (HAC)
Haidar Alwi Care is a humanitarian and social organization committed to community service through real actions in education, health, and people’s economic empowerment.
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