Prabowo defends large cabinet size and signals possible future reshuffles

President Prabowo Subianto addressed his cabinet on the second anniversary of his government, expressing pride in leading the ministers and emphasizing the need for cooperation over individual brilliance. He countered accusations that the cabinet is bloated, contending that Indonesia’s roughly 280 million citizens and extensive geography justify a larger executive body compared with European nations. The Red and White cabinet currently comprises at least 49 ministers and 57 deputy ministers drawn from ten coalition parties that also hold seats in the House of Representatives.

Prabowo highlighted his “national unity politics” as a deliberate effort to prioritize national interests above partisan agendas. He acknowledged ongoing criticism of the cabinet’s size and political appointments but maintained the structure is appropriate for the country’s scale. Finally, he hinted that additional cabinet reshuffles could be forthcoming.