Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal Highlights Declining Public Purchasing Power; Kamidi, C.FLE., Conveys Public Concerns from Across Indonesia
Jakarta – The country’s economic situation, which is considered increasingly challenging for many Indonesians, has drawn the attention of Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal, S.H., M.H., an International Law Expert and Economist. He shared his views while responding to questions from Kamidi, C.FLE., a journalist and social activist, during a telephone interview with several editors-in-chief of print and online media on July 29, 2026.
During the interview, Kamidi conveyed various public concerns he had received while carrying out his journalistic and social activities in different regions of Indonesia.
Kamidi, C.FLE., asked:
“Professor, over the past several months I have received numerous complaints from people in various regions. Traders say their businesses have become quieter, many MSMEs have experienced declining revenues, while the prices of basic necessities continue to rise. Many families are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their daily needs. In your opinion, what immediate steps should the government take to help restore the people’s economy?”
Responding to the question, Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal stated that the issue deserves serious attention from the government because it directly affects the welfare of millions of Indonesians.
“I hope President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, will immediately implement strategic measures to stabilize the national economy. People’s purchasing power must be restored so that small businesses can recover and citizens can better meet their daily needs,” said Prof. Sutan Nasomal.
According to him, the government should place greater emphasis on supporting businesses in both urban and rural areas through economic policies that encourage trade, strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and restore consumer purchasing power.
Prof. Sutan Nasomal emphasized that earning an honest and lawful livelihood is a noble endeavor supported by both the state and religious teachings. However, if purchasing power continues to weaken, many small businesses may face severe financial hardship or even be forced to close.
As an example, he cited the experience of Ibad, a siomay (Indonesian fish dumpling) vendor on Sukasari I Street, Bogor City, who reported a significant decline in sales due to fewer customers.
In addition to declining customer traffic, he noted that production costs have also increased. The price of roasted peanuts, for instance, has risen from approximately Rp28,000 per kilogram to around Rp40,000 per kilogram, while the prices of several vegetables have reportedly increased by approximately 30 percent.
Similar concerns were also expressed by traders operating behind Sukasari Bus Stop in Bogor City. They said that weak consumer purchasing power has persisted for quite some time, while the continuous increase in the prices of basic commodities has further reduced their business profits.
Responding to these conditions, Kamidi, C.FLE. explained that the concerns he receives are not limited to Bogor but come from communities across Indonesia.
“As a journalist and social activist, I continue to receive complaints from people in many regions. Small traders, MSME operators, workers, farmers, and low-income families all share similar concerns. The cost of living continues to rise while incomes remain stagnant. They hope the government will introduce concrete solutions to revive the people’s economy,” Kamidi said.
Prof. Sutan Nasomal added that he believes President Prabowo Subianto is aware of the economic challenges currently facing the nation. Nevertheless, he stressed that swift, measurable, and people-oriented policies are needed to prevent the economic slowdown from placing an even heavier burden on small businesses.
“When people’s purchasing power improves, the economy will begin to move again. Traders will have more customers, MSMEs will grow, employment opportunities will expand, and public welfare will improve. Therefore, strong economic strategies are needed to ensure that people can continue running their businesses and providing for their families,” Prof. Sutan Nasomal stated.
At the conclusion of the interview, Kamidi, C.FLE. expressed his hope that the aspirations of the people would receive serious attention from the government.
“The people’s expectations are simple: affordable prices for essential goods, better business opportunities, and stronger purchasing power so that the people’s economy can recover,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal concluded the interview by offering his prayers for President Prabowo Subianto, wishing him good health, strength, and wisdom in leading the nation, and expressing hope that Indonesia’s economy will continue to improve under his leadership.
Sources: Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal, S.H., M.H. – International Law Expert, Economist, President of the Partai Oposisi Merdeka, Jenderal Kompii, Chairman of the Indonesian Young Advocates Association (PAMID), Rector of STIH Prof. Sutan Nasomal, Founder and Caretaker of Ass Saqwa Plus Islamic Boarding School, and Chairman of YPLBH Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal, S.H., M.H.
Kamidi, C.FLE. – Journalist and Social Activist.
