#IndonesiaGelap

100 DAYS EVALUATION OF THE PRABOWO-GIBRAN CABINET:
PRESIDENT OF EMPTY PROMISES, IRON-FISTED AUTHORITIES, PEOPLE MERE SPECTATORS

United States, February 17, 2025

Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045) is a slogan frequently used by the Prabowo-Gibran regime since the 2024 Election. However, observing the dynamics of their first 100 days in government, we voice our concerns that Indonesia is actually heading in the opposite direction, as Prabowo predicted in 2018 about Indonesia's dissolution by 2030. These concerns stem from various issues that have occurred during Prabowo-Gibran's rule, including:

Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG): The Pillar is Bigger than the Post

The government has allocated Rp71.5 Trillion for the MBG program (and it will increase), but its effectiveness is highly questionable. Amid fiscal constraints, the allocation of funds for this program sacrifices other more urgent sectors. Without clear procurement and distribution mechanisms, transparency, and monitoring & evaluation, this program will only become a breeding ground for corruption and budget waste. The MBG program is also misguided because it is aimed at stunting prevention. Optimal stunting interventions are carried out before and during pregnancy, and in children aged 0-5 years. Publicizing MBG as a stunting prevention program is misleading and only uses the nutritional status of Indonesian children as a mere political tool.

Budget Efficiency Claims While Distributing Positions and Reviving the Dual Function Sentiment of the Military and Police

Amid the Government's aggressive efforts to achieve budget efficiency of Rp750 Trillion, the Government is increasingly appointing new officials, spending Rp27 Trillion on salaries and benefits without a clear competency basis. This will degrade the quality of governance, burden the state budget, damage the meritocracy system, and produce policies that favor political interests. Moreover, considering the fact that defense and security budget posts are relatively less cut compared to other sectors, and the increasing prevalence of military and police officers filling public office slots, this revives the dual function sentiment of the military and police and indicates that Prabowo will lead Indonesia towards an authoritarian regime.

Reducing Education and Health to MERELY Supporting Sectors

The Rp10 Trillion education and Rp8 Trillion health budget cuts affirm the government's mistake in prioritizing flagship projects and abandoning basic societal needs. Consequently, service quality will decline, costs will increase, and proper access will become increasingly difficult to obtain.

Kakistocratic Policy Making (12% VAT, 3 Kg LPG, Stalled Capital City)

The impact of distributing positions to perpetuate power is a government run by the worst, unqualified, or most immoral citizens (kakistocracy). This can be seen from public policy-making that seems amateurish with raw calculations, such as the ban on distributing 3 Kg LPG to retailers which actually troubles the poor and middle-class communities to the point of claiming lives, throwing out the 12% VAT issue until it was finally canceled, budget efficiency that actually results in unemployment, and differences in information regarding the continuation of the Capital City project as a result of budget efficiency.

Danantara Smells of Disaster

Danantara is the Government's next flagship project as Indonesia's Sovereign Wealth Fund to manage Rp1,000 Trillion but with 1,000 problems. Its weak oversight risks causing mismanagement and corruption, without clear legal accountability mechanisms for potential state losses with potential functional overlaps creating inefficiencies. Direct control by the President creates serious conflicts of interest and weakens independence, governance, transparency, and accountability.

Authorities Increasingly Flexing Their Muscles

Authorities are becoming more repressive and authoritarian in responding to various actions in Indonesia. The protest against the MBG program in Yalimo, West Papua, ended with authorities firing live rounds at sympathizers. The action in Wamena, Highland Papua, ended with tear gas shots and the detention of 15 students. Yet in 2016, Prabowo tweeted, 'Demonstrations are part of our democracy guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution.'

Based on these issues, we hereby state our position as follows:

  1. Demanding the Government of Indonesia to review the MBG program to be better targeted, prioritizing students from low economic levels or those undernourished, and transparent in its implementation to avoid corruption, collusion, nepotism, and conflicts of interest.
  2. Demanding the President to eliminate artificially created positions for power-sharing and dismiss officials who do not perform their duties properly.
  3. Demanding the President and Minister of Finance to revise Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025 according to people's needs and interests, not the interests of a few oligarchs.
  4. Demanding the Government to make education and health issues primary sectors in policy making and budget formulation.
  5. Demanding the Government to review the Danantara initiative to ensure accountable implementation, legal liability for potential state losses, and professional management free from conflicts of interest.
  6. Demanding the President and Authorities to uphold Article 28E of the 1945 Constitution to guarantee people's basic rights to express opinions, not becoming cowards who are anti-criticism.
  7. Fully supporting other civil society movements in overseeing issues of the Prabowo-Gibran Government.
  8. Inviting all communities and students to jointly voice their concerns and demand their rights that have not been fulfilled by the government.

Signatories

Students in the United States

  • Muhammad Hanif Firnanda, Columbia University, Master of International Affairs
  • Faris Hafizh Makarim, Columbia University, MA in Economics and Education
  • Nathanael Pribady, Columbia University, MS in Learning Analytics
  • Reandy Summa Justitio, Columbia University, LL.M. (Master of Laws)
  • Doni Nathaniel Pranama, Columbia University, MA in Adult Learning and Leadership
  • Nur Fakhih Widiatmoko, Columbia University, MPA
  • Agnes Laylicha, Columbia University, MPA in Development Practice
  • Fadli Setiawan, Columbia University, MPA in International Finance and Economic Policy
  • Tita, Columbia University , MS in Sustainability Management
  • Dinni Rahmawati, Columbia University, MA Adult Learning and Leadership
  • Nadhifa Ramadhani, Columbia University, MS in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
  • Frederick Arthur Mateus, Columbia University, MS in Technology Management
  • Salma Syakira Widodo, Columbia University, MPA in Urban Policy
  • Rachel Gloriosa, Columbia University, Master of Public Administration
  • Fikrianti Surachman, Columbia University, MS in Biostatistics
  • Dita Ratri, Columbia University, MPA in Development Practice
  • Primanta Holand Bangun, Columbia University, MS in Sustainability Management
  • Annisa Maulidina, Columbia University , MPH in General Public Health Dept.
  • Marsha Fabiola, Columbia University, MA in Communication & Education
  • Qotrunnada Maulina, Columbia University, MSc in Sustainability Management
  • Lugis Andrianto, Columbia University, Master of Public Administration
  • Aliyah Sausan Huwel, Columbia University, MS in Management Science and Engineering
  • Reina R. Dissa, Columbia University, MS in Urban Planning
  • Aistyara, Columbia university, MS in Critical, Curatorial, Conceptual Practice
  • Muhammad Rake Linggar Anggoro, Columbia University, MSc in Applied Analytics
  • Nindyo S, Fordham University, PhD in Theology
  • Syafitri Firmanputri, Columbia University, M.Sc. in Sustainability Management
  • Perdian, Villanova University, PhD Theology and Religious Studies
  • Muhammad Rifki Darmawan, Cornell University, MPA in Environmental Policy
  • Rita Kartika, Columbia University, MS Urban Planning
  • Thien Vilandry Lestary Miru, Columbia University, Master of Science in Social Work
  • Utari Hambawati, Columbia University, Master of Public Administration
  • Fadelia Deby Subandi, Columbia University, MPA in Development Practice
  • Tjia Alphani, Columbia University, MA in International and Comparative Education
  • Ali Amran Al Afif, Columbia University, MA in Social-Organizational Psychology
  • Nabila Isnandini, University of Wisconsin-Madison , MS in Human Ecology
  • Raden Gigih Garuda Wibisana, Columbia University, Master of Public Administration
  • Zakiatul Annisa, Columbia University, MPA in Climate, Energy, Environment
  • Rizky Ikhsan Rahadian Noor, Columbia University, Master of Public Administration
  • Silvi Absharina A. F, Columbia University, MPA in Development Practice
  • Andrien Theodore Rakiman, Columbia University, MS in Technology Management
  • Rachmania Narulita, Columbia University, MS in Sustainability Management
  • Melisa, Columbia University, MPA
  • Indah Adi Permata Dewi, Columbia University, BA in Human Rights and Public Health
  • Aghnia Dima Rochmawati, Columbia University, Master of Public Administration
  • Hanifa Nuraini, Columbia University, MPH in Health Policy and Management
  • Ahmad Nurhadiyan Alifdiandra, New York University, Msc in Management and Analytics
  • Juliarta Simangunsong, New York University, Construction Management
  • Rovan Gamaldi, University of California, Berkeley, Master of Laws
  • Ummi Tianotak, Indiana University Bloomington, PhD in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education
  • Abel K. Aruan, Villanova University, Ph.D. Theology and Religious Studies
  • Nazhifah Junia, Columbia University, MPH in Health Policy and Management
  • Gilang Laksana Laba, New York University, MS in Management & System
  • M. A. Fadli, University of California-Los Angeles, LL.M. - Master of Laws
  • Fauzan Rahman, New York University, MS in Industrial Engineering
  • Dimitri, Boston University, MTS Boston University
  • Meyliana Santy, Columbia University, LLM in Columbia Law School
  • Melisa Kristian, Columbia University, LL.M.
  • Diva Nabila Cintatya, Columbia University, LL.M. (Master of Laws)
  • Luthfi Adrian, UC Berkeley, Master of Law
  • Rayka Abdillah Haqi, Columbia University, MS in Sustainability Management
  • Hafidz, Columbia University, MPA
  • Paramitta Sekartaji, Columbia University, MPA in Development Practice
  • Ina Marwantina, New York University, MPA in Social Impact Innovation and Investment
  • Ujun Junaedi, Boston University School of Theology, Master of Theological Studies
  • Andramica Priastyo, University of Pennsylvania, MBA
  • Rachel Cicilia, Columbia University, Master of International Affairs in Economic and Political Development
  • Muhamad Alim, UCSD, MSc Mechanical Engineering
  • Anthea, Columbia University, MS in Sustainability Management
  • Philip Aquila Salvatore Tapan Dahal, Cornell University, MPH in Food System and Health
  • Denish Gunawan, Brown University, Master's of Public Health
  • Muhamad Hafizh Akram, University of Pennsylvania, LL.M. (Master of Laws)
  • Elisabeth Simaibang, Columbia University, MPA in Economic & Political Development
  • Wewin Wira Cornelis Wahid, Columbia University, MS in Sustainability Management
  • Alif Rosyidah , Columbia University , MA in Applied Linguistics
  • Sabita Anjaning, University of Pennsylvania, Master in Laws (LL.M.)
  • Aisha Nadira, Columbia University, MPA - Economic and Political Development
  • Hazna Nurul Faiza, University of Chicago, MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods
  • Priskila Nandita, Columbia University , MPA in Development Practice
  • RUDI HARTONO, Ohio State University, PhD Teaching and Learning
  • Deago Fraimon Sirenden, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, MS in Civil Engineering
  • Pandu Satrio Nugroho, Columbia University, M.S. in Technology Management
  • Miriam Bahagijo, New York University, M.A. in Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting
  • Fahrul Khakim, The Ohio State University , Ph.D. in Philosophy & History of Education
  • Prautami Citra Daeli, New York University , MS in Construction Management
  • Gian Rifa Wahyudi, Cornell University, MBA
  • Maria Johana Wynne Mulyo, Columbia University, MS in Information & Knowledge Strategy
  • Annisa Wigati, Columbia University, MS in Sustainability Management
  • Samuel Darrell Hutauruk, University of Mount Saint Vincent, BA in Public Policy
  • Regita Zakia, Columbia University, MS in Applied Analytics
  • Susi Susanti, University of Minnesota, M.A. in Family Social Science
  • Frans Ericson Lau, Vanderbilt University, M.Ed in International Education Policy and Management
  • Haryo Pangestu, Columbia University, MPA in Climate and Energy
  • Lukas Benevides, University of Arizona, MA in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law
  • Asep Suryana, University of Pennsylvania, MSEd in Learning Sciences and Technologies, International Educational Development Program
  • Leksmana Leonard, Drew University, MA in Religions
  • Alsya Feydra, Columbia University, MA in Islamic Studies
  • Billy Fadhila, New York University, MPS in New Media Art
  • Brigita Rumung, University of Washington, MC in Communities and Networks
  • Imam Rezki, Columbia University, Social Work
  • Ifadhila Affia, Cornell University, M.Eng. in Systems Engineering
  • Aulia Sarah, Duke University, MEM - Engineering Management
  • Nabila Aulia Hasrie, Columbia University, MA South Asian Studies
  • Yesi Christy, UCSD, PhD in Oceanography
  • Azam Hawari, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, International Environmental Law
  • Muhammad Luthfi Dzulfikar, Arizona State University, MSTech in Technology (Management of Technology)
  • Erdi Pratama, Northeastern University, MBA
  • Mahbub Ridhoo Maulaa, Northeastern University , MS in Urban Informatics
  • Fauziyah Fitri, University of Washington, MS in Entrepreneurship
  • Anestya Pramana, New York University, MBA
  • Muhammad Afif Izzatullah, Carnegie Mellon University, Master in Business Administration
  • Annisa Ardiani, New York University, MS in Integrated Marketing
  • Rechelle Rumawas, Columbia University, Master of Public Administration
  • Dwiky Putra, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Master of Public Policy
  • D Wibowo, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Magister Seni Rupa
  • Fahmi Rizki Fahroji, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, PhD in Science and Technology Studies
  • Amalia Cesarina, Columbia University, Master in Public Administration
  • Destry Intan Syafitri J, Texas A&M University, MS in Atmospheric Sciences
  • Ruthnaomi V. Liquisa, Columbia University, MS in Social Work
  • Syifa Wulandari, Boston University , MS in Public Relations
  • Hasnaa Naila, New York University, MA in International Education
  • Palita Rana Putinagari, New York University, MS Integrated Marketing
  • Muhammad Naser El Haq, New York University, MA in International Relations
  • Gabriela, Columbia University, MS in Urban Planning
  • Danira Alexandra Khatwani, New York University, MA in Learning Technology & Experience Design
  • Maulidinda Nabila, New York University, MS in Event Management
  • Hasna, Columbia University, M.S. Human Capital Management
  • Hendro Wicaksono, New York University, MA in Economics
  • Mahbi Maulaya, Kansas State University, MA in Security Studies
  • Anna, Columbia University, MEd Science Edu
  • Lovina Putri, Columbia University, MA in Economics
  • Rahma Reyhan, New York University, Master of Laws
  • Ganis Bustami, Columbia University, MS in Sustainability Management
  • Devita Cempaka Putri, Pennsylvania State University, Master of Public Administration
  • Catherine Pricilla, Columbia University, MPA
  • Helena Siagian, Yale University, Master of Business Administration
  • Izza Alyssa, Yale University, MFA Graphic Design
  • William Sormin, Columbia University, MPA in Climate, Energy & Environment
  • Natasya Lasut, Columbia University, Master of Public Administration
  • Muhammad Farhan, New York University, MSc in Information Systems
  • Muthia Khairunnisa, New York University, MA in Individualized Study
  • Prameswari Mrajabwana, Hunter College, MFA in Integrated Media Arts
  • Karunia Ayu, Columbia, MS Architecture and Urban Design

Students outside the United States

  • Amadeo Devin Udampoh, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, MA in Ecumenical Studies
  • Fadillah, University of Leeds, MA HRM

Alumni

  • Dian Bakti, Columbia University, MPH in Health Policy and Management
  • Patricia Kusumaningtyas, Columbia University, BA Columbia College
  • Juan Tampubolon, University of Michigan, B.Sc Linguistics
  • Ronald Atasi, Columbia University, Carbon Management
  • Alberta Christina, Columbia University, MA in Human Rights
  • Riris Silalahi, Harvard University , MA in Human Development and Education
  • Serafina Ariel, Pratt Institute, BFA Sculpture and Integrated Practices
  • Hofni Pinehas Tafuli, University of Florida, MAE in Mathematics Education
  • Jay Hanggawan, UIUC, MS Finance
  • Fathia Fairuza, Columbia University, MA Human Rights Studies
  • Ade Rachmawati, Columbia University, MS in Human Capital Management
  • Violla R, The Ohio State University, LLM in Law
  • Indah Shafira, Harvard University , MEd in International Education Policy
  • Fildza Nabila Avianti, Columbia University, LLM - Columbia Law School
  • Alifa Moyra Rahmadanty, Columbia University, MS in Sustainability Management
  • K. Kahfi, NYU, MA in Journalism
  • Vanessa Yobelina, New York University, MSc in Human Capital and Technology
  • Patrick Steven, Cornell University, MPS in Management
  • Naya, Columbia University, Law
  • Ivan Dennys Opit, Columbia University, MS in Carbon Management
  • Mutiara Syifa, The Ohio State University, PhD in STEM Education
  • Zakiyah Syafhil, Vanderbilt University, M.Ed in Higher Education Administration
  • Puti Alika Hanum, University of California, Berkeley, Master of Laws (LLM)
  • Haris Ibrahim, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MHI in Health Informatics
  • Derrick Gozal, Columbia University, MA in Quantitative Social Science
  • Rizky Pratama, Columbia University, MS Risk Management
  • Nefertiti Fenison, East Carolina University, Graduate Certificate in Multicultural and Transnational Literature