Prabowo's Promise: The Continuity Cabinet

Indonesia's new President Prabowo Subianto is set to inaugurate his cabinet, ensuring continuity of his predecessor's policies. Key figures like Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Bahlil Lahadalia will be re-appointed as finance and energy ministers. Prabowo aims to continue economic policies and expand social programs.

Indonesia's newly elected President Prabowo Subianto is poised to swear in his cabinet on Monday, signaling a commitment to maintain the policies of his predecessor, Joko Widodo. Prabowo, who assumed office as the country's eighth president on Sunday, has vowed to combat corruption and achieve self-sufficiency in crucial sectors such as food and energy.

In an announcement late Sunday, Prabowo revealed plans to formally appoint his cabinet, comprising 48 ministries and over 100 ministers and deputies. Notable re-appointments include Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister and Bahlil Lahadalia as energy minister. Key initiatives include providing free meals to 20 million children, with a projected cost of 71 trillion rupiah, to keep the fiscal deficit within a 3% GDP cap.

Analysts view the retention of figures like Sri Mulyani, former World Bank managing director, as a move to sustain economic reforms. Furthermore, Prabowo has preserved the presence of influential leaders such as Airlangga Hartarto and Erick Thohir. As Prabowo readies for the swearing-in ceremony, he had a notable visit from China's vice president, highlighting international interest in his administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)