ASEAN Beat | Politics | Southeast Asia

Prabowo’s Rainbow Coalition Has Achieved Stability at the Cost of Efficacy

The Indonesian leader’s big-tent approach to governance has blurred the lines of authority and fostered friction between coalition members.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto takes part in an event marking the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at their headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 5, 2026.

Two years into his presidency, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto maintains the support of a large political coalition. The large size of his cabinet has allowed the president to include a wide range of figures, political parties, and civil society representatives in his camp. In his speech at Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)’s 35th Congress in August 2026, Prabowo cited the need for political stability in order to maintain his large political coalition.

Unlike his predecessors, Prabowo arguably enjoyed a relatively smooth transition period, given his pledge of continuity from his predecessor Joko “Jokowi.” Prabowo’s large “rainbow coalition” has helped him establish a seemingly stable political condition. However, as the current cabinet consists of 49 ministers and 57 vice ministers, some challenges remain, namely overlapping authority, over-centralization, and sluggish policy execution.

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Two years into his presidency, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto maintains the support of a large political coalition. The large size of his cabinet has allowed the president to include a wide range of figures, political parties, and civil society representatives in his camp. In his speech at Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)’s 35th Congress in August 2026, Prabowo cited the need for political stability in order to maintain his large political coalition.

Unlike his predecessors, Prabowo arguably enjoyed a relatively smooth transition period, given his pledge of continuity from his predecessor Joko “Jokowi.”........

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