President Prabowo Subianto's decision to maintain fuel (BBM) prices amidst global market turmoil and geopolitical tensions triggering spikes in world oil prices has become a major highlight. This move reflects the government's caution in maintaining the stability of the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) while allaying public concerns over potential inflation.
Political expert from Gadjah Mada University, Dr.rer.pol. Mada Sukmajati, assesses that this move is a crucial momentum for President Prabowo to prove his leadership model. Learning from the leadership patterns of previous presidents, Mada emphasized that decisions regarding energy subsidies have always been a defining turning point for public trust. The courage to make decisions counter to global trends must be accompanied by precise fiscal calculations and concrete actions that directly impact public purchasing power.
Furthermore, Mada highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial orchestration in implementing complex policies. He stressed that the public today values proof of performance over mere rhetorical narratives. Therefore, every ministry is required to create efficient innovations capable of responding tangibly to economic pressures, such as optimizing energy efficiency policies through flexible working arrangements for civil servants.
On the other hand, the political observer reminded of the importance of democratic space for public criticism. The government is urged not to take a repressive stance against public aspirations, but rather to strengthen the role of formal institutions such as the DPR as channels for healthy criticism. Transparency and openness to feedback, including step-by-step evaluations of government programs such as Village Cooperatives, are considered wise steps to maintain social stability.
In closing, Mada did not rule out the need for a comprehensive evaluation of cabinet performance. Given the current large number of ministries, a *reshuffle* could be a strategic option if the government's effectiveness is deemed sub-optimal. Consistency in maintaining policy integrity and swift responses to situation on the ground will be key determinants of whether the government can navigate increasingly complex economic challenges.
