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Indonesia’s Prabowo, Widodo step up consolidating power as ‘unity is the key’
- An expected parliamentary majority and loyalists-filled cabinet would let Prabowo quickly implement his legislative agenda once in office
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Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto is on the cusp of securing significant control over the nation’s political landscape, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic checks and balances as he consolidates power by bringing former opponents into his coalition.
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Prabowo has been steadily consolidating power since his landslide victory in February’s general election, according to analysts, making deals with political parties – including those that opposed him during his campaign – to join his big-tent coalition once his administration officially begins in October.
Last Thursday, the NasDem party, which accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the country’s parliament, announced it would support Prabowo’s Onward Indonesia Coalition (KIM), raising its stake in parliament from 43 per cent to a majority 52 per cent.
Nasdem chief Surya Paloh told reporters on Thursday that his decision to join Prabowo would foster a “calmer and more optimistic” atmosphere and ease the work of the incoming administration.
“Unity is the key to a nation’s success,” Prabowo said after meeting Paloh.
Prabowo has also been courting the National Awakening Party (PKB), Indonesia’s largest Islamic party with a 10 per cent parliamentary share.
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The PKB had supported the presidential bid of Prabowo’s rival Anies Baswedan.
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