On Thursday and Friday, October 1 and 2, 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a major cabinet shake-up involving five new ministers and five new deputy ministers under Presidential Decree Number 104/P of 2026, marking the largest cabinet restructuring of his administration to date. The reshuffle repositioned several key figures associated with his predecessor, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, while introducing more than two dozen new figures to the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres) just weeks before the administration reaches its two-year mark.
Did You Know? President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the new cabinet members under Presidential Decree Number 104/P of 2026, which covers the dismissal and appointment of ministers and deputy ministers of the Red and White Cabinet for the 2024–2029 period.
Cabinet Reshuffle Reassigns Jokowi Allies to Advisory Roles
The executive changes strengthened representation for several pro-government parties while shifting prominent allies of former President Jokowi into new administrative positions.
Yoes Kenawas, an analyst, stated on Saturday that the administrative adjustments indicate Prabowo is tightening his grip on the government. According to Yoes, the changes do not constitute a complete purge of Jokowi’s allies, but rather represent the start of a transition where Prabowo places trusted individuals in critical roles while retaining Jokowi’s associates within the ruling political orbit. Yoes added that Prabowo aims to avoid pushing Jokowi into an early opposition role, which could create a severe political threat.
Political Analysts Weigh In on Potential Risks and Succession Pressures
Political analyst Arif Susanto from Exposit Strategic viewed the restructuring as an effort by Prabowo to manage a complex relationship with Jokowi and his eldest son, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Arif highlighted potential political turbulence surrounding an upcoming Constitutional Court ruling on a petition challenging Gibran’s eligibility and educational credentials during the 2024 election cycle. Arif warned that if the court decision carries consequences for impeachment, Prabowo might not be fully insulated from the fallout.
Activist Syahganda Nainggolan, who was appointed as the new chair of the government communications agency on Friday, previously criticized Gibran’s 2024 vice presidential bid as a moral and ethical dilemma. Gibran’s initial candidacy was facilitated by a controversial Constitutional Court ruling overseen by his uncle, former chief justice Anwar Usman, who has now been named as one of the new presidential advisors. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi did not respond to requests for comment regarding the reshuffle.
Jokowi launches nationwide tour and joins PSI party
Amid the executive changes, Jokowi has stepped up his domestic political footprint by launching a nationwide tour, increasing communication with grassroots supporter groups, and officially joining the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), a small party led by his youngest son Kaesang Pangarep. Jokowi defended his son’s educational credentials last week, asserting that Gibran had been cleared to run for vice president in 2024 by the official election body, and characterized the cabinet adjustments as Prabowo’s prerogative as president.
Experts note that ongoing legislative debates over election rules in the government-dominated parliament could further reshape political alliances ahead of the 2029 national elections.
Jokowi allies shifted and Gibran faces eligibility challenges
Who were the prominent Jokowi allies reassigned in the cabinet reshuffle?
The reshuffle shifted prominent allies of former President Jokowi into new administrative positions, including the appointment of former chief justice Anwar Usman as one of the new presidential advisors.
What is the basis of the legal scrutiny surrounding Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka?
Political opponents have challenged Gibran’s eligibility and educational qualifications from his 2024 vice presidential run through an upcoming Constitutional Court petition, raising questions that analysts say could carry implications for the broader administration.
How has former President Jokowi responded to the recent cabinet changes?
Jokowi stated last week that the cabinet modifications were entirely President Prabowo Subianto’s prerogative as president, while also defending his son Gibran’s educational qualifications against prior criticisms.
How will these strategic personnel shifts alter the balance of power between Indonesia’s current leadership and its political predecessors ahead of 2029?
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