Jakarta: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has secured a strong 78 percent public approval rating despite facing a series of early governance challenges, according to a recent survey by Indikator Politik Indonesia. The former military commander, who assumed office in October 2024, continues to enjoy high public confidence largely due to his anti-corruption initiatives and ambitious social welfare programs.
The survey, conducted between October 20 and 27 with 1,220 respondents, revealed that 20.8 percent of Indonesians expressed dissatisfaction with the president’s performance. While this marks a slight dip from the initial 80.9 percent approval rating recorded at the start of his presidency, it underscores the resilience of Prabowo’s popularity in the early months of his administration.
Public satisfaction appears strongest in areas directly linked to anti-corruption efforts and social welfare initiatives, notably the “free-meals” program targeting 80 million citizens. In contrast, approval is weaker in domains such as political governance, which received a rating of 31 percent, and security, at 56.5 percent. Economic performance also remains a concern, with GDP growth slowing to 5.04 percent in the third quarter, falling short of the government’s 5.2 percent target for 2025 and well below Prabowo’s long-term 8 percent growth goal by 2029.
Political analysts note that Prabowo’s popularity is bolstered by his image as a strong, decisive leader and his focus on tackling corruption a long-standing concern for Indonesian voters. The visibility of social welfare programs has also helped cultivate public goodwill, even as implementation challenges, such as reports of children falling ill under the meals program, highlight potential risks to credibility.
However, the administration faces significant vulnerabilities. Economic growth remains fragile, and household consumption which accounts for over half of GDP is slowing. Critics have raised concerns about the expansion of the military into civilian roles, including overseeing public departments and essential services, which could fuel political tensions. Moreover, early student protests over government policies underscore the need for the administration to address the aspirations of Indonesia’s youth, a demographic that will be crucial for long-term political stability.
Looking forward, sustaining high approval ratings will depend on tangible delivery in both economic and social sectors. Analysts suggest that Prabowo’s team should capitalize on anti-corruption momentum, ensure successful implementation of welfare programs, and focus on creating opportunities for young Indonesians in education and the digital economy. Failure to meet public expectations could quickly erode his current popularity cushion.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a key regional player, Indonesia’s domestic policy trajectory under Prabowo Subianto will be closely observed both at home and abroad. The early months suggest a window of opportunity to consolidate support, but the coming years will test the administration’s ability to translate popularity into sustainable governance and measurable economic outcomes.