Indonesia’s Prabowo taps Widodo’s allies as advisers amid falling approval rating
Council includes former president allies, commentators, and Muslim leaders
Quick Look
Indonesian President Prabowo has appointed 26 figures to his presidential advisory council, incorporating allies and commentators to mitigate external opposition.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The council advises the president on government policy direction without power to set or control it and has been vacant since October 2024.
The council, which advises the president on the direction of government policy but has no power to set or control it, comprises allies of former presidents, political commentators and Muslim leaders.
“These are figures who have influence, connections and mass followings. By keeping them in Prabowo’s orbit, Prabowo can feel a bit more at ease that no opposition is being built outside through these figures,” said Yoes Kenawas, a political analyst with the Indonesian Survey Institute.
On Friday, Prabowo designated 26 political figures, civil society representatives, Muslim leaders, businessmen and activists to the council, which had been vacant since he became president in October 2024.
Open Questions
- Who are all 26 members appointed to the council?
