Prabowo warns countries that 'insult' Indonesia over forest fires, vows to expose their companies

Indonesia's 75-year-old ex-general Prabowo Subianto has been in office for two years, and his tenure has been marked by a mix of soaring expectations and mounting challenges. When Bekasi resident Ika Kartika cast her vote for Prabowo in 2024, she believed he would restore the stable "Suharto-like" era of her childhood. However, two years into his presidency, rising food prices and high unemployment have left her disillusioned.

Prabowo's approval rating has plummeted from 79% at the start of his term to 44.5% in October, according to a survey by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting. Issues such as soaring food prices, a lack of job opportunities, and the stress caused by government policies have contributed to this decline.

Despite initial success in implementing state-led initiatives aimed at eradicating child malnutrition, boosting rural economies, and creating employment, Prabowo's administration has faced harsh realities. A looming downgrade in his country's global credit rating has triggered a stock market rout, while forest fires have blanketed neighboring countries in toxic smog.

Prabowo has attempted to address these challenges by making adjustments to his agenda, such as slashing the budget for the free meals program and reshuffling his cabinet. However, analysts argue that these adjustments merely paper over deeper structural flaws in his administration. The question now remains whether Prabowo can genuinely change course or whether the setbacks of his second year will define the rest of his term.