Prabowo Subianto's Presidency: Global Ambitions and Domestic Challenges
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has offered to mediate peace talks between the US and Iran following recent strikes. This initiative follows his pledge of troops to the Trump-led Board of Peace (BoP) and reflects his aim to position Indonesia as a significant regional and global player. Under his leadership, Indonesia has expanded ties with nations including China and Russia, while also engaging with the US.
Domestic Backlash to Foreign Policy
Prabowo's international actions have generated domestic criticism. As the world's most populous Muslim nation and a staunch supporter of Palestinian independence, Indonesia has seen significant opposition.
Protests have erupted against Prabowo's involvement in the Board of Peace (BoP), which notably lacks Palestinian representation.
Major Islamic organizations and civil society groups have also expressed their disapproval, with a petition demanding the withdrawal of Indonesia's offer to send peacekeeping troops to Gaza.
Domestic Governance: Echoes of the Past?
Domestically, Prabowo has pursued policies focused on nationalizing the economy and implementing large-scale programs, all supported by an expanding military. Critics suggest these actions, along with his past as a military commander, align with populist leadership.
Concerns have been raised about a potential return to the highly centralized and militarized "New Order" era of former dictator Suharto, Prabowo's former father-in-law.
A former attorney-general described the situation as a "counter-reformation" involving a "re-centralisation of power."
Key Domestic Initiatives
Energy Independence: The Palm Oil Mandate
A significant domestic priority is achieving energy independence. The government has mandated B40 fuel, a blend of diesel and palm oil-derived diesel, to reduce reliance on imported fuel.
This policy involves the nationalization of palm oil plantations, with the government claiming over 4 million hectares, mostly for state-owned Agrinas. The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) have been involved in reclaiming land, asserting that some plantations operated illegally or were non-tax compliant.
However, some small-scale customary landowners report military action against them, including orders to relocate.
Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights (KOMNAS) has documented cases of residents experiencing "fear and trauma" due to military presence.
A government advisor acknowledged "some negative impact" but deemed it a necessary cost for broader benefits.
Social Welfare: The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG)
The "Free Nutritious Meals" (MBG) program, a central election promise, aims to feed children, pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers to improve nutrition rates. Operating with approximately 20,000 kitchens, the program feeds over 60 million people daily.
While aiming to create a "golden generation," the program has faced significant controversies regarding its cost, governance, and instances of food poisoning. One NGO reported 20,000 children falling ill from the program.
Critics cite a lack of transparency, particularly concerning the foundations awarded government contracts, with many kitchens reportedly linked to military, police, or president's campaign supporters. The program is projected to cost $30 billion in 2026, impacting the national education budget.
Mounting Concerns: Economy, Civil Liberties, and Democracy
Economic Scrutiny
Economists and credit agencies have expressed apprehension about Prabowo's economic policies, noting uncertainties and a growing fiscal deficit.
Concerns have been raised about a potential shift towards "state capitalism" and a desire to achieve economic growth while limiting dissent.
Shrinking Civic Space and Democratic Erosion
Since his inauguration, Prabowo has established 100 new military battalions, with plans for 500. Legislation allowing military personnel to hold positions in more government departments and state-owned enterprises has drawn comparisons to the "dual function" concept of the New Order era.
Demonstrations in March and August 2025 regarding government policies and lawmaker entitlements led to unrest. A Fact-Finding Commission reported over 6,000 arrests after the August protests.
These arrests were described as the "largest hunt for activists since the 1998 reform."
A new criminal code criminalizing insulting the president's office has also come into effect. Concerns about the rewriting of history include Prabowo conferring the title of National Hero on Suharto in 2025 and a new official history book project that critics claim omits elements of Indonesia's past, such as the 1998 protests.
Amnesty International Indonesia has characterized the country as authoritarian, citing shrinking civil space and a lack of political opposition.