On October 21, 2024, Indonesia welcomed its new president, Prabowo Subianto, who was officially inaugurated following his victory over the incumbent Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. Subianto's cabinet formation showcases both continuity and change, reflecting his commitment to uphold key policies from the previous administration. This strategic move aims to provide stability as Indonesia navigates its political and economic future.
During his first days as president, Sokarno expressed bold and sweeping ambitions. His inauguration speech was laden with promises to combat corruption and support democracy. Standing beside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of Widodo, Prabowo declared his intent to boost the nation’s economy, aspiring for growth of 5% to 8% annually.
The newly formed cabinet consists of 48 ministers, warranting over 100 deputies to assist them. This diverse team is characterized by the blend of Prabowo loyalists and reappointments from Jokowi's administration, signaling a determination to maintain stability amid shifting political landscapes. Notably, Sri Mulyani Indrawati has been retained as the finance minister, emphasizing Prabowo’s pragmatic approach to governance.
Mulyani, who previously held significant roles at the World Bank, is recognized internationally for her adeptness at reforming Indonesia’s taxation system and continuing economic growth. Her re-appointment is reassuring for both domestic and foreign markets, serving to maintain investor confidence which is viewed as pivotal for efficient governance and minimizing any potential risks.
Notably, among Prabowo's cabinet are other familiar faces like Bahlil Lahadalia as the energy minister and Erick Thohir, the minister of state-owned enterprises. Their retention is perceived as reassurance to constituencies and investors alike. Analysts suggest Prabowo’s strategy allows him the necessary political security by surrounding himself with trusted figures from the previous government.
Prabowo has also named Sugiono, associated with the Gerindra party and former special force member, as the new foreign minister. This appointment is viewed as pivotal as Prabowo aims to navigate Indonesia's diplomatic avenues effectively.
One of the pressing challenges Subianto faces is the need to unify such a diverse cabinet, composed of individuals from both his party and the remnants of Jokowi’s team. Political analysts, including Dedi Dinarto from Global Counsel, have noted the potential difficulties Prabowo may encounter when attempting to harmonize the differing political ideologies and expectations within his cabinet.
To initiate this unity within his cabinet, Prabowo has planned for his ministers to undergo a three-day retreat at a military academy located in Central Java. This retreat serves as both a bonding activity and as means of sharing his vision for governance. Ministers will not only engage with one another, but also partake in lessons aimed at fostering anti-corruption beliefs, establishing unity, and enhancing team dynamics.
The retreat is not merely about camaraderie; it symbolizes Prabowo's intention to establish clear expectations and reinforce his leadership philosophy. Participants will sleep under tents, emphasizing both the seriousness and the informal nature of the event, characteristic of Prabowo's leadership style witnessed during past gatherings of his political party.
Gender representation, unfortunately, remains limited among cabinet appointments, with only five female ministers, whereas Jokowi’s administrations previously hosted nine female leaders at the start of his presidency. This statistic raises questions about diversity and inclusion within the high echelons of Indonesian governance.
Even though Prabowo's cabinet appears largely stable and entrenched, concerns linger over human rights issues, particularly considering Prabowo's military background, which includes accusations of abuse during difficult periods of Indonesian history. Critics have underscored the importance of addressing these allegations as the nation moves forward.
With the ambitious goals of reaching food and energy self-sufficiency, and continued focus on democracy and anti-corruption, Prabowo's presidency is poised to establish important benchmarks for the future of Indonesia. Observers remain attuned to how effectively the new cabinet will operate in unison and what concrete actions they will pursue over the coming months.
The new administration's approach to foreign policy also beckons attention, with indications of adopting a bolder stance, though it aims to uphold Jakarta's traditional non-aligned position. This nuanced balance—asserting Indonesian presence on the world stage, whilst managing local governance—is expected to be challenging yet pivotal as the international political terrain evolves.
Prabowo's strategy is crystal clear—nurturing continuity from the previous administration, fostering growth, and ensuring stability will be at the forefront of his government's agenda. Engaging these various cabinet members on common ground will determine the new administration's success as it relies heavily on collaboration amid diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Overall, as the new chapter for Indonesia begins, many will be watching closely.
