Why Did Civil Society Form a Shadow Cabinet to Counter Prabowo’s Govt?

Indonesian Civil Society Launches Shadow Cabinet to Challenge Prabowo’s Administration

Why Did Civil Society Form a Shadow – TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – A group of Indonesian scholars and grassroots advocates has created the nation’s inaugural people-driven shadow cabinet, designating 15 ministers to serve as a parallel oversight body against President Prabowo Subianto’s Red and White Cabinet.

Formation and Purpose

Feri Amsari, head of the Shadow Cabinet Selection Committee, announced the appointment of these ministers in a statement released on July 19. The selection process, described as thorough and open, narrowed down 121 applicants to 15 individuals.

“This marks the creation of the first shadow cabinet stemming from the Indonesian people’s initiative,” Feri stated.

The move was driven by fears that Prabowo’s government might diminish institutional checks on executive power. Feri highlighted that major political entities currently align with the administration, leaving no formal opposition to critically evaluate policies.

“There is no robust formal opposition capable of effectively balancing the policies of the Red and White Cabinet,” Feri noted, adding that he was appointed as shadow minister for state secretary.

He explained that the political landscape had created a void, prompting academics, activists, and citizens to form a “people’s opposition” platform grounded in meritocracy instead of traditional power-sharing.

“The Shadow Cabinet is not a competing government aiming for control,” Feri clarified. “It functions as a watchdog and develops policy alternatives based on evidence. It is non-partisan and operates without financial compensation.”

Selection Process Details

The appointment of shadow ministers commenced on May 12, managed by an independent panel featuring former KPK deputy Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, constitutional law expert Bivitri Susanti, and legal scholar Zainal Arifin Mochtar.

Candidates were judged on six factors: integrity, proven competence and public service history, age under 50, bravery in critical thinking, dedication to public welfare, and lack of political party ties.

Role and Function

Each shadow minister will track the work of a corresponding official in Prabowo’s cabinet and propose alternative strategies. Feri emphasized that this approach ensures government policies are scrutinized alongside tangible policy suggestions, rather than just vague critiques.

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Tempo has reached out to State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya for their perspectives but has yet to receive a reply at the time of publication.