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Political and populist moves make for an assertive, ambitious first year under President Prabowo
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Analysts say Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s first year has been defined by strong control, populist ambition and diminishing accountability.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Prabowo's first year shows strong control, uniting diverse groups but weakening democratic checks and balances, leading to concerns about accountability.
- Populist programmes like free meals face challenges, including food safety issues, but bring benefits to rural communities and underprivileged students.
- Despite economic growth, concerns persist regarding unemployment, rising prices, and potential erosion of civil liberties amid increasing military influence.
AI generated
JAKARTA - One year into office, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has delivered stability on the political front by uniting diverse groups and launched populist programmes that have benefited the common folk, but at a steep cost.
While Mr Prabowo has achieved a degree of political stability by bringing most major parties into his governing coalition, observers say that weakening democratic checks and balances, alongside challenges in governance and the economy, show that lasting progress will require more than mere authority.
