From pledges to policy: Indonesia’s Prabowo marks 1 year in office

As Prabowo Subianto marks his first year as Indonesia’s president, the former general is grappling with the challenge of turning his populist campaign promises into lasting policy.

While early initiatives such as free meals for children have drawn praise, concerns over civil liberties, economic sluggishness and foreign policy decisions threaten to overshadow his administration’s achievements.

Prabowo, who was sworn in on October 20 last year, campaigned on a platform of ambitious social programmes, including free nutritious meals for children and mothers, universal education, health checks and affordable housing.

While some of these pledges have begun to materialise – most notably the roll-out of the free meals programme – critics have questioned their sustainability.

Others caution that his administration’s bloated cabinet, heavy-handed response to public protests and erratic foreign policy posture risk undermining his credibility both at home and abroad.

  

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