Prabowo Subianto's Cabinet Expansion: Strategy or Bureaucratic Inflation?

Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto plans to expand government agencies, aiming for a strong administration despite criticisms of a bloated cabinet. He promises fiscal discipline and a merit-based cabinet, while prioritizing economic growth and poverty reduction. Key positions will blend seasoned politicians and new appointees.

Indonesia's incoming leader, Prabowo Subianto, is defending his ambitious plan to expand government agencies, despite concerns about a bloated bureaucracy. His approach aims at building a strong administration by adding approximately ten ministries and agencies to ensure senior political jobs within his coalition.

While some critics refer to the plan as a 'fat' cabinet, Prabowo reassures that fiscal discipline will be maintained under his leadership, with an expected adherence to 2025 spending levels. Foreign investors remain cautious, weighing the potential implications on Southeast Asia's largest economy.

The announcement of his cabinet is imminent post-inauguration, balancing party representatives and non-politicians. As Prabowo targets economic growth, his cabinet will tackle issues of poverty and malnutrition, aiming for an accelerated GDP growth of 8% alongside the creation of millions of homes and implementing new regulatory bodies.

(With inputs from agencies.)