Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s first state address to parliament on August 15, 2025, was nothing short of ambitious. Standing before lawmakers at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta, Prabowo painted a picture of an Indonesia on the rise: a nation determined to root out corruption, boost economic growth, and lift up its most vulnerable citizens through sweeping social programs. But as the dust settled, reactions from experts, watchdogs, and the public revealed a more complicated reality—one where optimism and skepticism collide.
Prabowo’s speech, delivered just eight months after taking office, was a whirlwind tour of his administration’s priorities. He touted Indonesia’s economic resilience in the face of global uncertainty, highlighted a dramatic drop in unemployment, and defended the government’s headline-grabbing social welfare initiatives. "Amid political conflict, global economic conflict, (and the US) trade war... Indonesia still managed to grow above five percent," Prabowo told parliament, according to reporting from Agencies. He pointed to second-quarter growth figures that beat expectations—5.12 percent, up from 4.87 percent the previous quarter—and declared that the unemployment rate had fallen to its lowest since the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s.
Yet, it was Prabowo’s bold stance on corruption and the so-called “mafia” networks that drew some of the strongest reactions. In a move that surprised many, he called out entrenched interests undermining state revenues, food security, and natural resource management. "I'm warning all the generals, whether from the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) or the police, former generals; there are no excuses. We act in the name of the people," Prabowo said, according to Tempo. He urged political party members—including his own Gerindra Party—to become witnesses if they were involved in illegal mining activities, signaling he would not shield anyone from prosecution.
This tough talk was welcomed by some. Yudi Purnomo Harahap, a former investigator at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), described the speech as a “positive signal for law enforcement” and an “open war against corruption.” Yudi recalled how Prabowo had previously supported the legal process against one of his own ministers, Edhy Prabowo, when the latter was embroiled in a corruption scandal. "Now law enforcers must move on when the president speaks again about eradicating corruption. At least, it is a good signal," Yudi told Tempo.
But as with many grand pronouncements, the devil lies in the details—and the follow-through. “Time will tell how law enforcers will realize the president’s speech,” Yudi cautioned, reminding the public that words must be matched by action if Indonesia is to finally break the grip of mafia networks that have plagued the country for decades.
Prabowo’s address also spotlighted his government’s social welfare agenda, particularly the controversial free nutritious food program (MBG) and the new “people’s schools” aimed at helping children from poor families. The MBG program, which promises free meals for schoolchildren and pregnant mothers, has been one of Prabowo’s signature policies. He claimed it had already reached 20 million people and was beginning to show results. "Our goal... is to be free from poverty, free from hunger, free from suffering," he declared.
However, the reception to these claims was mixed. Ubaid Matraji, National Coordinator of the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), accused the president of overstating his government’s achievements. Ubaid pointed to data from the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education showing that the number of children not attending school (ATS) had actually risen—from 3.5 million in December 2024 to 3.9 million in August 2025. He argued that the people’s schools initiative, which currently accommodates about 1,000 students in 100 schools, barely scratches the surface of the 2.9 million children who drop out of school due to economic hardship.
“So the claim of success in people's schools is too excessive, and is still very far from the target that should get equal, quality and equitable education services for all,” Ubaid told local media. He also raised concerns about the MBG program, which has been dogged by reports of budget leaks, food quality issues, unpaid partners, and even food poisoning incidents. “So, it really doesn’t make sense, if the program only runs for 8 months, then bimsalabimada claims that the achievements of children at school are increasing because of MBG. Where did this data referral come from? Is this based on feelings, studies, or dreams in broad daylight?” Ubaid quipped, highlighting a widespread sense of skepticism.
Beyond the headline programs, JPPI criticized the government’s handling of education funding. While Prabowo touted the allocation of 20 percent of the state budget to education, observers noted that much of this spending was directed toward official schools and MBG support, rather than addressing the root causes of educational inequality. The Garuda School initiative—envisioned as a training ground for future national leaders—was also called out for reinforcing, rather than reducing, disparities in educational opportunity.
Perhaps most striking was the omission of a critical legal development from Prabowo’s speech. The Constitutional Court had recently ruled that nine years of basic education, both in public and private schools, must be free of charge. Yet Prabowo made no mention of this mandate. "Why is this not mentioned at all by the president in his speech? This is a constitutional order, why does the resident ignore it?" Ubaid asked, expressing doubts about the administration’s commitment to fulfilling the court’s directive.
On the economic front, Prabowo’s government has not shied away from bold moves. In April, after the United States threatened Indonesia with a steep 32 percent tariff, Prabowo managed to negotiate the rate down to 19 percent by agreeing to lower trade barriers for American goods. This, combined with robust second-quarter growth, allowed him to claim that Indonesia was defying global headwinds and charting a path toward becoming a “major global powerhouse.”
Yet, even as Prabowo’s supporters point to these achievements, critics warn that the costs of his ambitious programs—especially the billion-dollar MBG scheme—are straining state coffers and raising concerns among investors. Student protests erupted in February over widespread budget cuts to fund the free meal initiative, and there have been persistent questions about the program’s effectiveness and transparency.
As Prabowo’s administration moves forward, the stakes are high. The president’s sweeping promises have set expectations soaring, but the challenges—entrenched corruption, educational inequity, and fiscal pressures—are formidable. Whether Prabowo’s vision will translate into lasting change or become another chapter in Indonesia’s long struggle with reform remains to be seen. For now, the nation watches, hopeful but wary, as its new leader attempts to turn bold words into tangible progress.
