June 12, 2025, 6:04 am
This presentation examines the first 200 days of Prabowo Subianto’s presidency, assessing the direction Indonesia is taking under his leadership. It focuses on three key initiatives: the Free Nutritious Meals Program, military law reform, and Indonesia’s recent entry into the BRICS grouping.
The Free Nutritious Meals Program—Prabowo’s flagship policy—aims to provide free lunches to millions of schoolchildren across Indonesia, with significant budget implications. While former president Joko Widodo laid the groundwork for greater military influence, Prabowo’s administration has moved further to formalise it through legislation. At the same time, Indonesia has projected a more assertive foreign policy, embracing its identity as a major voice in the Global South.
The talk explores shifts in governance style and the emerging foreign policy posture, while also considering what has remained consistent—particularly a stated focus on public welfare. It asks: does Indonesia’s current trajectory reflect broader global trends? And what might the Prabowo presidency mean for Australia’s engagement with its largest neighbour?
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
