Prabowo Subianto defended the size of his administration during a cabinet meeting at the Istana Negara in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, addressing public criticism that his government operates a “fat cabinet” that lacks efficiency.
Prabowo defends large political coalition
Speaking at the plenary cabinet session marking two years of his administration, Prabowo explained that the large coalition behind his government was intentionally formed to unite as many political forces as possible to improve the lives of citizens. He noted that Indonesia faces fierce political competition and limited parliamentary seats given its large population.
Koalisi kita besar, bener, karena saya ingin sebanyak mungkin kekuatan bersatu untuk menjalankan perbaikan kehidupan rakyat kita,
Prabowo stated, emphasizing that he does not want to dwell on the past.
Addressing critics who label the administration inefficient, Prabowo pointed to the nation’s vast scale and population of nearly 300 million people. He compared Indonesia to Europe, noting that the European continent spans numerous sovereign nations, each maintaining its own distinct governmental apparatus.
Negara kita hampir 300 juta, negara kita fisiknya sebesar Eropa. Eropa itu 30 negara, ada 30 kabinet, ada 30 Menteri Keuangan ada 30 Panglima TNI, ada 30 Jaksa Agung, ada 30 Kapolri, Indonesia satu kabinet, Saudara-saudara,
Prabowo said.
Did You Know? Prabowo Subianto delivered these remarks during an address at the Istana Negara in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, marking two years of his administration.
National Unity Amid Western Democratic Turmoil
Expanding on the necessity of a broad political coalition, CNBC Indonesia reported that Prabowo pointed to widespread protests, riots, and looting across Western democratic nations, specifically highlighting unrest in France and Italy. He argued that these international events show the urgent need to maintain national unity within Indonesia.
Demokrasi kita menurut keyakinan saya, sekarang semakin urgent, untuk kita memelihara national unity, persatuan nasional,
Prabowo told the cabinet, emphasizing that while debate and criticism remain welcome, national cohesion must ultimately prevail.
Rocky Gerung attends anniversary session
According to iNews.ID coverage from the Istana Kepresidenan, members of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres), including Rocky Gerung, attended the anniversary cabinet session. Rocky noted that the gathering served as a necessary evaluation following two years in office. When questioned by reporters regarding his assessment of the administration’s performance, Rocky declined to provide a numeric score, instead responding with a hand gesture forming a Korean-style heart sign.
Prabowo addresses cabinet coalition size
When did President Prabowo Subianto deliver his speech regarding the cabinet coalition?
President Prabowo delivered his remarks at the Istana Negara in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during a cabinet session marking two years of his administration.
What comparison did Prabowo use to justify the size of his administration?
Prabowo stated that Indonesia has a population of nearly 300 million and a physical size comparable to Europe, which comprises 30 different countries maintaining separate cabinets, finance ministers, military commanders, attorney generals, and police chiefs.
Which international demonstrations did the president reference during the plenary session?
According to CNBC Indonesia, Prabowo referenced major demonstrations resulting in riots and looting in Europe, specifically highlighting events in France and Italia.
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