Prabowo's 'Big Tent' Cabinet Draws Praise and Concerns

Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto plans to expand government agencies for a stronger administration. He intends to add ministries and agencies, creating senior jobs in his coalition. While foreign investors worry about fiscal discipline, Prabowo assures spending levels compliance and merit-based cabinet appointments, aiming for economic growth and poverty reduction.

Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, amid criticism of a potentially oversized cabinet that could inflate bureaucracy.

Scheduled for inauguration on Oct. 20, Prabowo aims to establish about 10 new ministries and agencies to create senior positions for politicians in his seven-party coalition. "I want to create a united and strong government," he stated at an economic forum on Wednesday.

Concerns loom over Prabowo's potential deviation from fiscal discipline in Southeast Asia's largest economy. Nevertheless, his senior aides affirm adherence to 2025 spending targets. His cabinet, emphasizing merit-based appointments, is expected to retain many ministers from the outgoing presidency and could be announced right after his inauguration.

(With inputs from agencies.)