TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – A coalition of Indonesian academics and civil society activists has established what it calls the country's first citizen-led shadow cabinet, appointing 15 ministers to serve as a counterweight to President Prabowo Subianto's Red and White Cabinet.
Feri Amsari, chairperson of the Shadow Cabinet Selection Committee, said the 15 ministers were chosen from 121 applicants through what organizers described as a rigorous and transparent selection process.
"This marks the establishment of the first shadow cabinet born from the initiative of the Indonesian people," Feri said in a statement on Sunday, July 19.
Why Was the Shadow Cabinet Formed?
According to Feri, the initiative emerged from concerns over weakening checks and balances on the executive branch under President Prabowo's administration.
He argued that nearly all major political forces currently support the government, leaving no formal opposition capable of effectively scrutinizing government policies.
"There is no formal opposition strong enough to balance the policies of the Red and White Cabinet," said Feri, who was appointed shadow minister of state secretary.
He said the political vacuum prompted academics, activists, and members of the public to create a "people's opposition" platform based on meritocracy rather than political power-sharing.
"The Shadow Cabinet is not a rival government seeking power," Feri said. "It is a platform for oversight and the development of evidence-based alternative policies. It is non-partisan and operates on a pro bono basis."
Tempo has contacted State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya for comment on the formation of the shadow cabinet but had not received a response at the time of publication.
How Were the Shadow Ministers Selected?
The selection process for shadow ministers began on May 12 and was overseen by an independent panel comprising former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairman Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, constitutional law expert Bivitri Susanti, and legal scholar Zainal Arifin Mochtar.
Organizers said candidates were evaluated based on six criteria: integrity, competence and public track record, being under the age of 50, courage and critical thinking, a demonstrated commitment to public interests, and non-affiliation with political parties.
What Will the Shadow Cabinet Do?
Under the initiative, each shadow minister will monitor and provide alternative policy proposals corresponding to a minister in Prabowo's cabinet.
"Every policy issued by the government will be assessed alongside proposals from the corresponding shadow minister, rather than merely receiving general criticism without clear alternatives," Feri said.
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo Pledges College, Job Support for Indonesia's People's School Graduates
3 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has pledged continued support for graduates of schools under the tuition-free People's School program.
Key Facts About Indonesia's Shadow Cabinet Formed by Civil Society
6 jam lalu
The formation of this Shadow Cabinet is based on the weakening of the check and balances mechanisms against the Indonesian government.
Indonesia's Shadow Cabinet Criticizes Prabowo's Budget, Economic Policies
7 jam lalu
Indonesia's Shadow Cabinet highlights various economic issues and budget policies in the era of Prabowo Subianto's government.
Corruption is Not an Engine of Economic Growth
23 jam lalu
Transparency International Chair Franois Valrian discusses the repression of anti-corruption movements around the world.
Prabowo: Do Not Question Military, Police in Farming
1 hari lalu
This week, Prabowo launched simultaneous harvest festivals for sugarcane, soybeans, and rice across 43 locations nationwide.
Fact Check: Did Prabowo Appoint Mahfud MD as Attorney General?
1 hari lalu
Fact check - Prabowo never did inaugurate Mahfud MD as an Attorney General
The Cold Cash Time Bomb
1 hari lalu
Police implicated Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah in alleged corruption and extortion cases.
Prabowo's Latest Remarks on 'Foreign Stooges' at TNI Harvest Event
1 hari lalu
At the TNI's great harvest event in Malang, President Prabowo asks not to always succumb to foreign powers.
Prabowo Pushes E20 Fuel Plan, Eyes Construction of 50 Ethanol Plants
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo plans to build 30-50 ethanol factories to support fuel development with higher ethanol blends.
Prabowo Plans Budget Cuts for TNI-Police
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo signaled budget cuts for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police.
