Indonesia's Presidential Palace to study civil society's 'Shadow Cabinet'

Indonesia's Presidential Palace has responded to the formation of a "Shadow Cabinet" by civil society, intended to serve as a counterpart to President Prabowo Subianto's "Red and White Cabinet." Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government is open to studying the initiative. "All those with good intentions, anyone who wants to provide good input, we certainly accept and are always grateful," Prasetyo said. He emphasized that any input should stem from a constructive spirit, likening the government's work to a football team that must be cohesive and work hard together. However, he cautioned against misinterpreting this analogy. The Shadow Cabinet, formed by a coalition of activists, academics, and experts, aims to monitor the government and prepare alternative policies. Feri Amsari, Chair of the Shadow Cabinet Selection Committee, explained that the initiative arose from concerns over the weakening of checks and balances mechanisms. He stressed that the Shadow Cabinet is not intended to seize power but to serve as a platform for monitoring and proposing evidence-based policies on a pro bono, non-partisan basis. The cabinet adopts the concept of a "zaken cabinet," comprising individuals selected for their expertise rather than political affiliation. After reviewing 121 applicants and 102 proposed names, 15 ministers were selected to mirror the roles in the official cabinet. Each shadow minister will directly correspond to a minister in the Red and White Cabinet, enabling a review of government policies and the provision of alternatives within their respective fields, moving beyond general criticism.

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All those with good intentions, anyone who wants to provide good input, we certainly accept and are always grateful.