New Indonesian president swears in record 109-member cabinet
Newly inaugurated Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has formed the largest Cabinet since 1966 when Indonesia's first ever president, Sukarno was in power.
Dubbed the "Red and White Cabinet," it includes 109 members, a significant jump from the 34 ministers under his predecessor, Joko Widodo.
This extensive team includes ministers, vice ministers, and heads of national agencies, reflecting Subianto's aim to build a strong, united government.
Each member attended interviews at his residence last week.
Subianto, a former military general, officially took office on Sunday, leading a coalition of seven political parties that supported his victory in the February election.
The size of his Cabinet is seen as a political strategy to build a durable, united government.
"I want to create a strong government that would unite our multicultural society and diverse political interests," Subianto said.
Critics argue the large Cabinet will bloat the bureaucracy, but Subianto defended his decision, citing the need for political stability.
The last time Indonesia's cabinet was this large it lasted just one month at the hands of Indonesia's first President Sukarno—132 ministers were assembled 58 years ago following a failed coup.
Subianto insists that a broad government is necessary to manage Southeast Asia's largest economy.
"It must be a big coalition, and some will say my Cabinet is fat," he remarked during interviews with prospective ministers last week.
One of the most discussed appointments is that of Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 37-year-old son of former President Widodo, as vice president.
Subianto and Widodo were once rivals, but after Widodo's 2019 reelection, Subianto joined his administration as defense minister, leading to a political alliance.
Bringing Widodo's son into his administration is seen as a move to maintain continuity with Widodo's policies.
The Cabinet includes several holdovers from Widodo's government, including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who has served under three presidents.
Indrawati, an internationally respected figure, played a key role in reforming Indonesia's taxation system and steering the country through financial crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We regularly consulted with each other to discuss strategies for strengthening the Finance Ministry and the state finances to support his programs," Indrawati told reporters after meeting with Subianto last week.
Other reappointments include Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, and State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir.
Analysts view these selections as political rewards for Widodo's support during Subianto's election campaign.
Subianto has set ambitious goals for his administration, including increasing Indonesia's economic growth to eight percent annually by the end of his five-year term.
His initiatives include boosting defense spending, raising civil servant salaries, and providing free meals to 83 million children.
There are plans to continue some of Widodo's policies, including the construction of a new capital city and limiting raw material exports to boost domestic industries.
Despite optimism about his agenda, concerns persist over the efficiency of such a large Cabinet. Critics worry it could slow decision-making and lead to inefficiencies.
"Indonesia would like to be the best of neighbors, the best of partners to work together for the common good, common peace, common prosperity," Subianto said during his inauguration.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
