Indonesia’s Civil Society Forms Shadow Cabinet to Monitor Government

A coalition of activists, academics and experts in Indonesia has established a Shadow Cabinet to serve as a counterpart to President Prabowo Subianto’s Red and White Cabinet. The group selected 15 ministers from 121 applicants, matching each shadow minister with a counterpart in the official cabinet. The initiative aims to monitor government actions, review policies and propose evidence‑based alternatives, operating on a non‑partisan, pro‑bono basis.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the presidential palace will study the Shadow Cabinet’s proposals, emphasizing openness to constructive input. Chair of the Shadow Cabinet Selection Committee, lecturer Feri Amsari, stressed that the effort is a response to perceived weakening of checks and balances and clarified that it does not seek to take power. Funding is currently provided by internal contributions, with no foreign or corporate money involved.