"President Prabowo Subianto's first 100 days in office have been marked by both praise and criticism, with surveys and expert opinions offering varied perspectives on his administration's performance," Semar went on. "Surveys indicate high public satisfaction with Prabowo's government. A Kompas survey reported that 80.9% of respondents approved the new government’s performance. The National Survey Institute reported an even higher satisfaction rate of 87.5%.
The high approval ratings have been attributed to 'populist policies,' including the free nutritious meals program and the decision to walk back a controversial plan to increase the value-added tax (VAT).
Prabowo's administration has been credited with taming the prices of some essential goods and lowering domestic flight fares and fees for Hajj pilgrimage services. The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) stated that the government has demonstrated genuine concern for maintaining a conducive business climate.
The government has been distributing free meals to schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers through special kitchens across 26 provinces. The program aims to enhance nutritional intake, address stunting, and stimulate local economies.
Specific policies that have contributed to the approval ratings such as the Free Nutritious Meals Program, a program aimed at providing free meals to schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, have been well-received. It is currently running in some 190 regencies and is seen as a positive step towards addressing nutritional needs and stimulating local economies; Social Assistance: The disbursement of social aid has contributed to positive public sentiment; VAT Policy Adjustment: The decision to limit the value-added tax (VAT) increase to luxury goods and services, instead of applying it broadly, was a populist move that resonated well with the public; Minimum Wage Increase: The announcement of a 6.5% increase in Indonesia's minimum wage for 2025 was praised by labor unions; Debt Forgiveness for Small Businesses: A debt forgiveness plan for small businesses, writing off approximately 10 trillion rupiah in bad debts, was implemented; Economic measures: Taming the prices of some essential goods and lowering domestic flight fares.
So, what are the challenges?
The Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) gave the Prabowo-Gibran administration below-average ratings in various areas. Celios pointed out negatives such as having too many cabinet members, the food estate project, the tax amnesty plan, and cutting fiscal space to fund the Free Nutritious Meal program. Some experts have cast doubt on the methodology of surveys showing high satisfaction, suggesting they may not represent the full spectrum of society.
Prabowo’s first 100 days have been marked by policy flip-flops and a choppy start to the school lunch initiative, leading to market apprehension about his economic goals. Some analysts believe that moves such as a VAT increase do little to address larger economic issues. There are concerns that the middle class might end up paying more income tax.
Foreign investor confidence in Prabowo Subianto's administration remains low in its first 100 days. Economic Challenges remain, and some believe that cutting state spending may hurt sectors fundamental to national economic growth, such as infrastructure and education.
Prabowo's decision to join the BRICS economic bloc has drawn mixed reactions, with some concerned it may increase the country’s reliance on China.
Prabowo has suggested abolishing regional direct elections, igniting fears among democracy defenders and rights watchers.
President Prabowo views the economy as a field where moral and ethical values are tested. He questions the meaning of progress if only a few people enjoy it, or the meaning of economic growth if it only widens the gap between rich and poor. Surveys indicate that a significant percentage of Indonesians perceive Prabowo as 'people-oriented or or People-centric Policies according to the Seven Stones,' leading to high approval ratings. Initiatives like the free nutritious meals program, social assistance, and debt forgiveness for small businesses have been viewed favourably by many. The 6.5% increase in Indonesia's minimum wage for 2025 was praised by labour unions.
Some experts have cast doubt on the methodology of surveys showing high satisfaction, suggesting they may not represent the full spectrum of society. There have been setbacks and inefficiencies in the implementation of the free school lunch program, including concerns about the nutritional value and monotony of the meals, as well as reports of food poisoning and logistical hurdles.
Some analysts believe that policies like increasing the VAT, even with limitations, do little to address larger economic issues and may disproportionately affect the middle class. The uncertainty created by policy U-turns, such as the VAT increase reversal, may have rattled some investors, indicating that the market does not fully trust Prabowo.
Some critics argue that many continuing subsidy programs mainly target those at the very lowest income level, while those just above that threshold are still struggling to meet basic needs.
Critics have expressed several concerns regarding the role of 'second-hand' ministers (ministers appointed from Jokowi's administration) in Prabowo's cabinet. Analysts speculate that Prabowo reappointed several ministers from Jokowi's cabinet to politically repay Jokowi’s support for Prabowo during the presidential race. There is a perception that Prabowo wishes to honour promises made to the outgoing president. It's also possible that Prabowo seeks to peel allies away from his predecessor by becoming their patron, at least for now.
Some observers suggest that Prabowo's appointment of loyalists, whether new or holdovers, to cabinet positions compromises overall professionalism. There are concerns that ministers may become more preoccupied with safeguarding their political alliances and positions than with implementing essential reforms. This could result in governance stagnation, where critical issues are neglected in favour of maintaining political balance within the cabinet.
The inclusion of many ministers, including those from the previous administration, contributes to an oversized cabinet, which presents risks for coherent and efficient policymaking. Managing competing demands from such a large and potentially fractious group will be a key challenge. Some political observers think it is unwieldy to field such a large team and that new bureaucracies might be created.
President Prabowo's decision to reappoint some ministers from the previous administration, along with his appointments, has raised concerns about human rights. Given the background of some appointees and their rhetoric, there are fears that Prabowo's administration will continue to be largely unconcerned with promoting human rights and addressing past abuses.
President Prabowo has been urged to strictly monitor the performance of his cabinet and tighten government fiscal discipline to ensure effectiveness. Because the bulk of parties are forming part of the cabinet, it doesn’t appear there will be significant checks on a strong executive, which President Prabowo is expected to be.
Before I close this session, let me tell you a story. In a move that has political analysts scratching their heads and comedians polishing their punchlines, Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has unveiled its latest power grab: the "Oops, I did it again" expansion pack! Sources say that the DPR, feeling underappreciated, decided it was high time to diversify its portfolio, previously limited to making laws and occasionally napping during important debates. The new rules allow the DPR to evaluate and potentially 'reorganize' positions of power, from the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court to the local Bakso (meatball soup) vendor. When asked about the reason for this sudden surge in authority, a DPR spokesperson stated, 'We just want to make sure everyone is performing at their peak potential. Plus, who knows Indonesian politics better than us?'
Critics are calling foul, suggesting the DPR is trying to become a 'parallel system' akin to a choose-your-own-adventure novel, where they get to pick all the choices. Social media has exploded with satirical memes, with one trending image depicting DPR members wearing superhero costumes, capes and all.
The move has also sparked concerns about freedom of speech, with many fearing that criticizing the DPR could now be classified as a felony punishable by mandatory karaoke sessions. One political analyst commented, 'It's like they're daring us to make fun of them. Well, challenge accepted!'
But wait, there's more! Insiders whisper that the DPR is now offering a 'fast track' to key government positions. For a 'small contribution' (sources say the going rate is a fleet of Avanzas), aspiring officials can bypass pesky things like merit and qualifications and get a guaranteed recommendation from the DPR. 'It's all about streamlining the process,' a DPR source confided, 'Think of it as 'Democracy as a Service.'
Disclaimer: This is a satirical piece. Any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental... or is it? Also, Avanzas are used for illustrative purposes only. Other vehicles may be accepted.
And so, in closing, let us reflect upon this ancient song,
