Indonesia's Prabowo marks one year in power

Key Concepts

• Scholar/People's School: A free boarding school program for students from low-income families, aimed at breaking intergenerational poverty.
• Free Meal Program: A government initiative to combat malnutrition and stunting among school children.
• Patronage Distribution: A political strategy involving the widespread distribution of resources and favors to consolidate power.
• Military's Role: The increasing involvement of the Indonesian armed forces in civilian affairs and government.
• Diplomatic Stance: President Prao's approach to international relations, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Scholar/People's School Initiative

Students at a senior high school in South Jakarta are participating in a creative writing and personal memoir composition lesson. This school is part of the "scholar or people's school" program, launched in July by President Prao Subanto's administration. The program targets students from low-income families with the objective of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. The schools are housed in facilities provided by the social affairs ministry, which have been renovated to include classrooms, dormitories, and other learning spaces designed to enhance the educational experience. President Prao visited one of these schools last month to observe student progress. The program operates on a full boarding school system, covering elementary to senior high levels, and is entirely free of charge. The government's ambition is to establish 500 such schools nationwide by 2029.

Free Meal Program and Associated Challenges

Another flagship initiative by President Prao is the free meal program, primarily aimed at school children to address malnutrition and stunting. However, since its commencement in January, the program has been marred by numerous incidents of food poisoning. Despite these issues, President Prao has defended the program, which has reportedly reached approximately 30 million beneficiaries.

Political Challenges and Cabinet Reshuffles

President Prao's first year in office has also been characterized by significant public unrest. Massive demonstrations erupted in major cities, fueled by public anger over controversial housing allowances for parliament members and deep-seated frustrations regarding inequality and corruption. These protests escalated to violence, resulting in 10 fatalities, presenting one of the most substantial challenges to President Prao's presidency to date. In response to the unrest, President Prao conducted two cabinet reshuffles within a two-week period. These moves are interpreted as attempts to alleviate public anger and solidify his political base for the long term.

Political Stability and Power Consolidation

Observers suggest that President Prao has managed to maintain stability within his extensive coalition government. The sheer size and diversity of the coalition, with its competing and often contradictory interests, make management a complex task. However, the president has reportedly employed a combination of "stick and carrots" to navigate these challenges. A key observation is that the pattern of patronage distribution has not changed. It is widely believed that any Indonesian president, including Prao, relies on the extensive distribution of patronage to consolidate power.

Military's Role in Power Consolidation

The military has also played a role in consolidating President Prao's power. In early October, the Indonesian armed forces celebrated their 80th anniversary with a significant display of strength. This event highlighted the military's increasingly prominent role in civilian affairs and within President Prao's administration.

Diplomatic Engagements

A notable aspect of President Prao's first year has been his engagement on the international diplomatic stage. In a statement regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he articulated a position advocating for an independent Palestine while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of recognizing, respecting, and guaranteeing the safety and security of Israel. He stated, "We must have an independent Palestine, but we must also recognize, we must also respect and we must also guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then we can have real peace and no longer hate and no longer suspicion."

Conclusion and Future Challenges

As President Prao Subanto enters his second year, he faces the critical challenge of rebuilding public confidence following a tumultuous first year. The success of his presidency and the lasting impact of his legacy will be determined by his ability to translate ambitious promises into tangible and sustained progress.