Palace Responds to Shadow Cabinet Formation

Indonesia's Presidential Palace has responded to the establishment of a "Shadow Cabinet" by civil society groups, intended as a counterpoint to the official "Red and White Cabinet" under President Prabowo Subianto. This alternative cabinet is an initiative by civil society to oversee the government's operations.

Menteri Sekretaris Negara (Minister of State Secretary) Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government will study this alternative cabinet formation. "All intentions that are good, all that want to provide good input, we certainly accept and are always grateful," Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Monday, July 20, 2026.

Prasetyo emphasized that the crucial aspect is for input to be based on a constructive spirit. He used a football team analogy, saying, "Just like a football team, everyone must be compact, cooperate, work hard for each other. That alone may not guarantee victory." He cautioned against misinterpreting the analogy.

The Shadow Cabinet, comprising activists, academics, and experts, aims to develop alternative policies and monitor the government. Feri Amsari, Head of the Selection Committee for the Shadow Cabinet, explained that its formation stems from a perceived weakening of checks and balances against the government. He stressed that the Shadow Cabinet does not seek to seize power but acts as a platform for supervision and evidence-based policy alternatives, operating on a pro bono and nonpartisan basis.

According to Amsari, the Shadow Cabinet adopts a technocratic approach, selecting members based on expertise rather than political affiliation. Fifteen ministers have been appointed to serve as direct counterparts to the ministers in Prabowo's cabinet. This structure is intended to allow for the review of government policies and the provision of specific alternatives, rather than general criticism. The appointed ministers cover various portfolios, including State Secretary, Home Affairs and National Security, Foreign Affairs, Defense, Women's Rights and Marginalized Groups, Law and State Policy, Economy, Finance and Budget Management, and Environmental Protection and Climate Change.