JAKARTA (ANN/JAKARTA POST) – President Prabowo Subianto is facing mounting pressure to solidify his leadership as concerns grow over the continued influence of his predecessor, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, whose loyalists hold key positions in the new government.
Since assuming office late last year, Prabowo has faced scrutiny regarding the loyalty of his cabinet, particularly after several ministers aligned with Jokowi were seen visiting the former president at his residence in Surakarta, Central Java. The situation was further complicated when two ministers publicly referred to Jokowi as their “boss” during an Idul Fitri event, despite now serving under Prabowo. These visits occurred while Prabowo was on a Middle Eastern tour, amidst rumors of a cabinet reshuffle.
The visits extended beyond ministers, with top military and police generals, and regional leaders, including East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, also paying their respects to Jokowi. Prabowo’s Gerindra Party defended these visits as traditional Idul Fitri courtesy calls, dismissing any claims of dual loyalty.
Jokowi’s enduring influence
However, analysts like Nicky Fahrizal from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) believe these visits signify Jokowi’s enduring influence. “It is a clear sign that his power is still very much present,” Nicky said. “There’s still a strong sense that Jokowi’s network, from ministers to mid-level bureaucrats, remains active and loyal.”
This perception was amplified after Prabowo’s meeting with Megawati Soekarnoputri, Jokowi’s former ally turned rival. Analysts suggest Jokowi’s allies’ subsequent visits to Surakarta were a show of strength, reinforcing his continued relevance.
Adi Prayitno from Parameter Politik Indonesia views these visits as a “consolidation effort” amid rumors of a cabinet reshuffle, potentially triggered by concerns over the opposition PDI-P joining the cabinet.
Calls for stronger leadership
Analysts stress that Prabowo must demonstrate stronger leadership to dispel public doubts about who truly steers the country. “Prabowo needs to be more present in the day-to-day running of the cabinet,” Nicky advised, noting his focus on international affairs. “He needs to be seen leading at home, chairing cabinet meetings, and publicly owning major policy decisions.”
However, cutting Jokowi out entirely is not seen as a solution, as it could destabilize the political foundation that led to Prabowo’s election victory.
Firman Noor of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) believes concerns about overlapping influence are exaggerated, given that Jokowi’s allies constitute a minority in the cabinet. He echoed calls for Prabowo to provide clearer and more consistent policy direction.
“What people need now is clarity and a more coherent foundation for Prabowo’s programs and policies,” Firman concluded.
