Ignoring criticism from civil society, the military under President Prabowo Subianto, will soon build the so-called Development Territorial Battalion (BTP) in 100 locations to support the president’s food self-sufficiency program. We have only talked about the Army, but the Navy and the Air Force have also shown interest in the program. 

President Prabowo Subianto decided to keep ST Burhanuddin as Attorney General and Listyo Sigit Prabowo as the national police chief. Briefly. People have in recent weeks talked about selection of new leaders in these two very powerful law enforcement institutions.

President Prabowo Subianto has on Tuesday (Feb 4) met Jusuf Kalla, former vice president (2004-2009, 2014-2019) and former chairman of Golkar Party, at the State Palace. Kalla was accompanied by son Solihin Kalla, who is also CEO of Kalla Group, a diversified business group with interest in various economic sectors.

More than 300 protesters from the ADAKSI (Aliansi Dosen ASN Kemendikti Saintek Seluruh Indonesia) staged a peaceful demonstration in the Patung Kuda area, Central Jakarta on Monday (03/02). They all came together to fight for their rights to the lecturer performance allowances (tukin) that have been in arrears for 4 years since 2020. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology is aware of this devastating issue, but decides that it is not the responsibility of the current ministry to deal with.

A survey conducted by Litbang Kompas revealed that Nasaruddin Umar holds the highest positive image among ministers, with a popularity rating of 67.4%. This is a strong indicator that the public has high expectations for reforms in the religious sector. With these positive results, we must ask: what is the future direction of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ reforms?

This month, president Prabowo Subianto has issued one regulation on forest order, which consists establishment of a task force, and one specific decree on the Task Force for the Acceleration of Downstream and National Energy Resilience. 

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.