Politics

Minister of domestic affairs Tito Karnavian asked regional governments to set aside Rp5 trillion from their combined budget to support President Prabowo’s signature free nutritious meal program (MBG). 

A survey from Litbang Kompas, research division of Kompas newspaper, found an approval rating of 80.9% for Prabowo’s first 100 days in office. The president’s social assistance, free meal, and decision to abort broad implementation of VAT 12% contributed to the high approval rating. 

Conflicting statements from members of Prabowo’s cabinet have only angered the society. Around 600 officers from the Navy have on Saturday (Jan 18) dismantled portion of the mysterious fence in the Tangerang waters, because it is deemed illegal and hurting fishermen’s economy.

President Prabowo Subianto has once again emphasized government’s readiness to fund the free nutritious meal (MBG) program with APBN, but he welcomes any help from people who may be interested in taking part as well. His vague statement in response to the suggestion on utilizing zakat as a source of funds, therefore, leaves us wondering whether it implies a subtle rejection or, instead, an open invitation.

The National Police (POLRI) and the National Armed Forces (TNI) are mobilized to ensure the success of the free nutritious meal (MBG) program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. POLRI supports the program mainly by monitoring the whole process, while TNI is tasked with facilitating logistics in the implementation of this program. So, let’s dissect it one by one.

Pramono Anung and Rano Karno have officially been declared new governor and vice governor of Jakarta, the largest city in the country. As President Prabowo Subianto will remain in the city at least until 2028, Pramono will share spotlights, which might affect dynamics ahead of the 2029 presidential race.

The kick-off of the free-meal program was timed to coincide with the start of a new term at most schools nationwide. On Monday, January 6, 2025, 190 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) spread throughout 26 provinces in Indonesia were ready to prepare free meal for schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women and nursing mothers. This program targets around 3 million beneficiaries in its initial phase of the launch (January-March 2025), and is expected to reach 15 million by the end of the year.

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and its annual “Person of the Year” award have recently been the talk of the town. The award itself is meant to single out the ones who, as quoted from OCCRP’s website, do the most to wreak havoc through organized crime and corruption, therefore winning it is definitely not an achievement to be proud of. What drew the attention of many Indonesian citizens, however, is the fact that our former President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is listed as one of the finalists.

The Constitutional Court has on Thursday (January 2) issued a surprise ruling, which revokes the presidential threshold for the next election. The ruling is considered a big New Year gift for pro-democracy movement in the country.