A few days after taking office, Indonesia’s recently chosen President Prabowo Subianto invited his cabinet to join in a military-style retreat intended to promote unity, discipline, and a fresh sense of purpose among highest government officials. Held at an Indonesian Army academy in the stunning foothills of Magelang, Central Java, the event provided Prabowo with a chance to personally guide his ministers in physical drills, marching exercises, and speeches on the course of his government. Aimed at improving the administration and establishing a distinct tone for his leadership style, this creative approach underscored Prabowo’s determination to put in the government his own qualities of discipline and teamwork.
On Sunday, the 73-year-old former commander and long-standing political figure formally assumed president of the fourth most populated nation in the world. Having served in the military and shown political persistence, he promises to eradicate corruption, strengthen national security for Indonesia, and unite a 280 million-diverse country. From economic development to strengthening defense capabilities in a country with changing geopolitical tensions, his leadership comes at a moment when Indonesia is facing both inner and outside difficulties.
A rigorous military withdrawal aiming at a symbolic goal
The military academy retreat was somewhat symbolic. Long connected to Indonesia’s armed forces, Prabowo used the circumstances to teach the new cabinet members, some of whom are also well-known public personalities, leadership values. Presidential spokesman Hasan Nasbi recounted the daily schedule and pointed out that the retreat started with a 30-minute physical training session under seasoned army instructors. Following came marching drills and a group-building session, cabinet officials engaged in the practice wearing military fatigues. “Interesting is that on the field President Prabowo Subianto arrived first among the cabinet members.” Stressing Prabowo’s dedication to set an example, Nasbi said he was acting as a disciplined leader.
Images of Prabowo and his cabinet, all clad in matching military uniform, marching and participating in outdoor exercises, therefore displaying a government unified in both clothes and social media activities. Prabowo said, echoing a message of solidarity and focus, “We have to march in time with the same aim. We have to cooperate; the government cannot run on its own. Choosing this military motif, Prabowo highlighted his vision for a disciplined, orderly government and underlined that good handling of Indonesia’s challenges mostly depends on unity and teamwork.
Combining Public Involvement with Authority
As cabinet members and well-known Indonesian celebrities recorded the unusual occurrence, the retreat attracted a lot of attention on social media. Former chairman of Italy’s Inter Milan football team, Erick Thohir, Indonesia’s Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, posted video footage of himself with other ministers on social media documenting times of friendliness and lighter interactions inside the usually austere retreat environment. “Learning to create content from the experts,” Thohir teased on Instagram, highlighting Prabowo’s government as approachable yet firm and giving a more relaxed tone to the retreat.
Attached to the retreat in his new capacity as one of Prabowo’s presidential envoys, Indonesian star Raffi Ahmad also made a strong presence. Having more than 76 million Instagram followers, Raffi’s post about his involvement attracted a huge audience that assisted Prabowo’s idea of teamwork and common objective to be promoted. His speech presented the presidential vision of unity and strength as well as the administration as transparent and honest to the Indonesian people, especially the younger population.
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The conflicting backdrop of Prabowo and rights issues
Although some may consider Prabowo’s strategy as a creative way to unite and inspire his administration, political analysts and human rights groups have voiced reservations regarding his past affiliations and military ramifications. Having ties to the Suharto regime from former years, Prabowo and some of his close friends—including Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin—have been accused of involvement in violations of human rights. Opponents of Prabowo believe that his tight ties to the military signal a tendency toward a more authoritarian stance inside the Indonesian government, therefore endangering the democratic roots of the nation. Prabowo has, however, discounted these issues and focused on his resolve to support initiatives against corruption, openness, and justice.
The selection of a military institution and the great emphasis on discipline and command have generated discussion regarding Prabowo’s guiding concept. Critics contend that this focus might result in a government mostly depending on military influence, therefore restricting civil freedoms and freedom of expression. Prabowo’s military-based strategy, however, is seen by supporters as a necessary first step in restoring discipline, stopping corruption, and safeguarding Indonesia’s posture in a geopolitically complicated setting.
Building national security and togetherness offers a road forward
As his government is only just getting started, the cabinet retreat under Prabowo emphasizes the path he intends to guide Indonesia’s future. Beyond the symbolism, Prabowo’s leadership approach emphasizes discipline and unity motivated by the rigidity and hierarchy of military life. Targeting Indonesia’s social and economic needs as well as enhancing its defenses, his public comments and actions expose a dedication to a constant, orderly leadership. Prabowo said he holds his ministers to great degrees of responsibility and wants to govern with honesty and transparency.
The Magelang retreat provided a window into the kind of leadership Prabowo is trying to develop. Though it is yet unknown whether this approach will be successful, Prabowo is clearly ready to challenge established knowledge in order to form a strong and unified government. Handling Indonesia’s urgent problems by discipline and cooperation, his government would clearly give national security first priority, fight corruption, and target economic resiliency.
Prabowo’s presidency could well bring in a new chapter for Indonesia whereby disciplined, orderly approach merges with conventional democratic ideals. The country—and the planet—will maintain a careful eye to see how Prabowo’s vision for Indonesia shapes in the next years when he starts his term.
