Analysis: Prabowo’s security shuffles: Lining up loyalists pre-2029
Nearly two years into his presidency, President Prabowo Subianto has moved decisively to tighten his grip on Indonesia’s two most powerful security institutions. A series of leadership changes at the National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian Military (TNI) this month have systematically reduced the residual influence of former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration, realigning internal…
President Prabowo Subianto has taken significant steps to consolidate his control over Indonesia's two primary security agencies: the National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian Military (TNI). Early in his term, Prabowo swiftly reshaped the leadership of the National Police and the Indonesian Military, thereby increasing his own authority and solidifying loyalty among his supporters ahead of the 2029 elections.
The most notable shift occurred within the National Police, where Gen. Suyudi Ario Seto was appointed as the new police chief on October 1. This appointment, a former head of the National Narcotics Agency, was swiftly confirmed by the legislative body. In the following days, Prabowo initiated three major personnel reshuffles, relocating 88 senior and mid-ranking officers.
Of these, 14 key positions at the National Police headquarters were given to Prabowo-aligned figures, including crucial roles such as supervision inspector general, intelligence and security head, criminal investigation head, and security maintenance head. Additionally, 19 regional police chiefs were appointed, with one of the critical positions going to the Jakarta Police chief.
Meanwhile, the TNI's leadership remained relatively stable, with Prabowo awaiting an opportune moment to make a replacement for Gen. Agus Subiyanto, who was appointed by Jokowi. Prabowo, being a former Army general, understands the importance of following institutional procedures and traditional promotion pathways. However, on October 15, he carefully swapped Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak into the deputy commander position and head of the National Border and Remote Area Management Agency.
In addition, several senior military officers were reassigned to strategic civilian-linked roles, such as deputy defense minister. This strategic approach allows Prabowo to shape the succession pool while respecting existing mechanisms. Both Agus and Maruli are Jokowi-era appointees, and their eventual replacement is anticipated.
These changes in both the National Police and the Indonesian Military represent Prabowo's efforts to insert officers whose networks and careers are more closely aligned with his own, thereby ensuring loyalty and support during his term and beyond the 2029 elections.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
