KBRN, Jakarta: In a landmark moment marking his first year in office, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the handover of IDR 13.2 trillion in recovered state assets, funds he vowed to redirect toward public welfare, including education and coastal community development.

The recovered sum, sourced from corruption cases and handed over by Attorney General ST Burhanuddin to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, was described by the President as a testament to the government’s resolve in fighting economic injustice and illegal exploitation of national resources.

“This is proof that the government is working hard and bravely for the people,” President Prabowo said during the ceremony at the Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta on Monday, October 20, 2025, as quoted by rri.co.id.

“With this amount, we could renovate over 8,000 schools or revive 600 fishing villages with modern facilities,” he added.

The President emphasized that the IDR 13.2 trillion, partly sourced from the prosecution of illegal crude palm oil (CPO) trade, would be allocated to key sectors. A significant portion is earmarked for the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP), with plans to boost its scholarship budget by IDR 13 trillion.

“We will place part of this in LPDP for the future,” President Prabowo said during a cabinet meeting at the State Palace.

The President’s commitment to education stems from his belief that intellectual potential exists across all social strata. “Many children from poor families have high intelligence. We must find them and support them with full scholarships,” he stated.

He also cited research suggesting that one percent of a population typically has an IQ above 120, underscoring the importance of investing in human capital.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Stella Christie, confirmed that her ministry would coordinate with LPDP to map out the scholarship allocation.

She noted that under President Prabowo’s leadership, research funding had already increased by 218 percent, with LPDP playing a major role. “The President wants to develop top-tier human resources in science, technology, and other fields,” she said.

Beyond education, the President highlighted the urgent need to uplift Indonesia’s coastal communities. He lamented that in the 80 years since independence, fishing villages and their infrastructure had been largely neglected.

The government now aims to renovate and build 1,100 fishing villages by 2026, each with a IDR 22 billion budget. “These villages will be equipped with modern facilities,” he said, noting that the recovered funds could cover more than half the target.

The President also used the occasion to reiterate his stance against corruption and illegal practices in the natural resources sector. He cited the massive losses from tin smuggling and illicit mining operations in Bangka Belitung, which have cost the state an estimated IDR 40 trillion annually for nearly two decades.

“Illegal mining, under-invoicing, over-invoicing; these are betrayals of the nation,” he said. “We must stop these activities.”

Calling on all elements of society to join the fight, President Prabowo stressed that safeguarding Indonesia’s wealth is a collective responsibility. “If we manage our resources well and bravely, Indonesia will rise quickly,” he concluded. ***