Key facts
- Prabowo Subianto marks two years in office amid growing public discontent.
- Approval ratings have fallen significantly since his election victory.
- Controversial free school meals program faces scrutiny over food safety and funding.
- Indonesian rupiah has weakened to historical lows against the US dollar.
- MSCI proposed downgrading Indonesia's market classification from 'emerging' to 'standalone'.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is marking two years in office amid increasing public dissatisfaction, with rising food prices and controversial policies fueling protests. Young voters, who were instrumental in his 2024 election victory, are expressing disappointment with his administration's economic performance and handling of environmental issues. Concerns are also growing about the long-term fiscal sustainability of his ambitious social welfare programs, including a flagship free school meals initiative and a proposed plan for free university tuition.
The free meals program, aimed at combating child malnutrition, has expanded rapidly but has been marred by reports of food poisoning and criticism over its funding, with the Constitutional Court ruling that it must be financed outside the education budget from 2028. Economists also point to uncertainty over government policies as a factor contributing to the Indonesian rupiah weakening to historical lows against the US dollar. In a significant development, MSCI has proposed downgrading Indonesia's market classification from 'emerging' to 'standalone'.