Jakarta, Aug. 30 -- The 2025 Apkasi Autonomy Expo (AOE), launched this week with the theme Trade, Tourism, Investment, and Procurement, carried a message that went beyond exhibition booths: a national call for regional fiscal independence, backed by innovation and public service.

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the expo on August 28 at ICE BSD in Tangerang, Banten, encouraging local governments to reduce dependence on central funds while maintaining service to citizens.

The expo's slogan, "Local Products Go Global", signaled an ambition to transform regional economies-pushing them from dependence to self-reliance, and from local markets to global reach.

Prabowo emphasized that government efficiency efforts should not be seen as ...