A New Era Begins: Prabowo’s Cabinet Takes Shape
President Prabowo Subianto marked a significant milestone in his administration by swearing in four ministers and one deputy minister to the Merah Putih Cabinet on September 9, 2025. The ceremony, held at the State Secretariat building, signals the start of a critical phase in Indonesia’s governance amid evolving economic and geopolitical challenges.
Strategic Appointments in Focus
While the official announcement did not disclose specific portfolios, sources close to the administration suggest these roles likely cover key sectors such as economic coordination, infrastructure, and digital transformation. The inclusion of a deputy minister position – a rare addition in initial appointments – hints at Prabowo’s intent to strengthen interministerial collaboration and oversight.
Balancing Continuity and Reform
Analysts note that two appointees served in previous cabinets, indicating Prabowo’s pragmatic approach to maintaining institutional knowledge. However, the majority of positions went to fresh faces from academia and the private sector, aligning with the president’s campaign promise to ‘modernize governance through diverse expertise.’
The Digital Governance Factor
Notably absent from the ceremony was the Minister of Communication and Informatics, fueling speculation that Prabowo might be reserving this critical role for a tech industry disruptor. This aligns with growing demands for accelerated digital infrastructure development across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands.
Public Reactions and Challenges Ahead
Civil society groups have called for immediate transparency regarding ministerial mandates and performance metrics. ‘The public deserves clear timelines for healthcare reform and renewable energy targets,’ stated a coalition of NGOs in a joint release. Meanwhile, markets responded cautiously, with the IDX Composite Index closing 0.4% lower following the announcement.
As Prabowo’s administration begins taking form, all eyes will be on the remaining cabinet appointments expected in the coming weeks. The strategic balance between experienced bureaucrats and innovative newcomers may well determine Indonesia’s trajectory in this decisive decade.
