With the dawn of Prabowo Subianto's presidency getting off on quite the ambitious note, early assessments of his government's performance are starting to come to light. Prabowo took office on October 21, 2024, and his first few weeks have been marked by significant commitments to national interests, particularly surrounding food security and economic partnerships.
During his initial Cabinet meeting, held at the Presidential Palace on December 2, 2024, Prabowo expressed optimism about national food resilience. He pointed out the achievements made within the agriculture sector, stating, “I am proud of the hard work of the government prioritizing the needs of the people. Our food production is on the rise, and food reserves are at their highest level in several years.” This is amid global economic pressures and climate challenges such as El Niño and La Niña impacting agricultural output.
The National Food Agency (NFA) has also been central to maintaining inflation rates under control, particularly for staple goods like rice. Arief Prasetyo Adi, the head of the NFA, announced plans to distribute food aid to 22 million beneficiaries this December, continuing efforts to stabilize food prices for Indonesian families. He projected confidence as November 2024 saw rice inflation actually reflecting deflation at -0.45%, with the overall food inflation managed effectively over the past three years.
Besides tackling food security, Prabowo's administration has engaged with international business leaders through avenues such as the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. On December 3, 2024, Prabowo met with Ted Osius, the president and CEO of the council, alongside 50 U.S. business executives, to explore strategic partnerships. Osius reiterated their commitment to support Prabowo's vision, stating, “We are committed to being resources and partners to support the great vision of Astacita.” This meeting coincided with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Indonesia diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council.
Prabowo's focus on economic development has been strong right from the start; he championed partnerships aimed at Bolstering Indonesia's digital economy, healthcare, and energy sectors. By utilizing data-driven strategies and prioritizing the best international practices, his administration seeks to fuel Indonesia's growth moving forward.
On the legislative side, Prabowo’s government also made waves by confirming a planned national budget of Rp81 trillion dedicated to enhancing the welfare of Indonesian teachers, set to be implemented starting 2025. This strategic investment emphasizes the administration’s commitment to education as one of its pillars. Prabowo emphasized this plan during the same meeting where he discussed overall educational reforms and teacher welfare.
Meanwhile, his administration is focused on broader economic missions, with Hasan Nasbi, the head of presidential communication, confirming Indonesia's intention not to join any military defense blocs but rather deepen engagements with economic groups like BRICS. He remarks, “We will join economic blocs beneficial to our interests.” Prabowo has already expressed interest in BRICS membership, highlighting the importance of aligning economic interests with other nations, particularly with Brazil, which he sees as a potential strategic partner due to shared goals and resources.
These high-profile engagements and ambitious domestic agendas come as Prabowo also faces scrutiny over some ministerial controversies during his early governance. Several ministers have attracted media attention due to errant statements and actions. This includes the Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, whose remarks on historical events led to public outcry, and the Minister of Village Development, Yandri Susanto, whose use of official stationery for personal invitations raised eyebrows.
Despite these bumps, Prabowo remains focused on solidifying his authority and ensuring his Cabinet works cohesively. His administration's commitment to welfare programs and food security seems to resonate positively on the ground, showing early signs of effective governance. Prabowo has also set ambitious goals for economic growth, targeting sustainable development, job creation, and increased national income as part of his broader plan.
Indonesia is evidently stepping onto the global stage with Prabowo at the helm, aiming for partnerships with major economic powers and proving resilient against global economic challenges. With various agricultural, economic, and educational initiatives spotlighted, Indonesian people are hopeful for the new administration's commitment to progress.
Through his administration's determined stride toward achieving economic stability and enhancing food security, Prabowo Subianto is shaping, if not redefining, Indonesia’s political and socioeconomic landscapes for years to come. His capacity to navigate both domestic concerns and international partnerships could be pivotal for Indonesia's aspirations on the world stage.
