Following his election victory, President-elect Prabowo Subianto is set to reshape Indonesia's cabinet, capitalizing on recent parliamentary revisions that lifted the cap on cabinet size from 34 to potentially 44 ministries [6d846657]. This change, approved on September 21, 2024, allows Prabowo to consolidate power and reward his allies with new positions, as he is backed by seven parties controlling 82% of parliament [6d846657]. Analysts have expressed concerns about potential bureaucratic bloat and the impact on the state budget, which has been approved at $237 billion for 2025, an increase from $216 billion in 2024 [6d846657].
Prabowo's ambitious plans include a nationwide free school meals program aimed at providing meals for 83 million underprivileged children, projected to cost $4.4 billion next year and over $27 billion annually by 2029 [6d846657]. This initiative is part of his broader strategy to address child malnourishment and improve educational outcomes, although it has drawn criticism from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund regarding its financial sustainability [de5e165f].
The reshaping of the cabinet reflects a shift in governance style under Prabowo's administration, which is expected to facilitate rapid legislation and decision-making [6d846657]. His vice president-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is the son of outgoing President Joko Widodo, further intertwining the political landscape as Prabowo takes office [6d846657].
As protests continue over the legitimacy of the election and concerns about human rights abuses associated with Prabowo's past, the political climate remains tense [a99651d7]. The opposition has vowed to hold the new administration accountable, emphasizing the need for transparency and the protection of democratic principles [4b2aef2c].
The upcoming changes in Indonesia's cabinet and governance structure will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers, as they could significantly impact the country's political stability and economic trajectory [6d846657].