Prabowo Subianto on Cabinet

Prabowo Subianto initiated his presidency by establishing the Red and White Cabinet, which is notable for its massive size, comprising over 100 individuals across ministerial and deputy roles, making it one of the largest in Indonesian history. This expansive cabinet structure is interpreted by analysts as a swift and aggressive move to consolidate power, neutralize potential opposition, and ensure a firm grip on the nation's political and governmental institutions. The appointments strategically reward major coalition partners and campaign backers with powerful roles, ensuring legislative allegiance and reflecting the country's sociocultural mosaic to bolster legitimacy.

This strategy builds upon frameworks established by his predecessor but raises concerns about potential autocratic tendencies, as the sheer size and loyalty-based appointments risk undermining democratic checks and balances by prioritizing political expediency over competence in some instances. While the cabinet incorporates technocrats for complex policy challenges, a significant portion is reserved for trusted confidants and political allies, including figures from the military and security apparatus, signaling a centralizing governance style. Subsequent reshuffles have further illustrated a pattern of recalibrating policy and adjusting political loyalties within this structure, sometimes in response to public unrest.