Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has declared that President Prabowo Subianto is currently the world’s strongest leader, citing record-breaking approval ratings and unparalleled parliamentary support.
Speaking at the 17th anniversary of the Gerindra Party, Jokowi pointed to survey data indicating an 80.9% approval rating for Prabowo’s performance during his first 100 days in office. Additionally, he highlighted that Prabowo enjoys the backing of over 80% of Indonesia’s parliament.
“This means the public’s support is extraordinarily strong, and political support in Parliament is equally solid,” Jokowi said during the event in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, February 15. “I can confidently say that President Prabowo is the strongest president in terms of public and parliamentary support.”
Jokowi contrasted these figures with his own experience when he took office in 2014, when surveys showed his approval rating at 62%.
“Back then, it was tough,” he said. “But today, President Prabowo starts his term with overwhelming support.”
He went on to assert that Prabowo’s influence surpasses that of other world leaders.
“Look around the world today; no other president enjoys the level of support that President Prabowo has,” Jokowi said. “And because of his strength, some people direct their frustrations at me instead. Whenever something goes wrong, it’s ‘Jokowi’s fault.’ But why not blame Prabowo once in a while? They don’t dare because Prabowo’s leadership and determination are already well-proven.”
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Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office in October 2024, has embarked on an ambitious agenda to accelerate Indonesia’s economic growth. One of his flagship initiatives is the continuation of the downstreaming program, a policy originally introduced by Jokowi to maximize the value of Indonesia’s natural resources. Under this program, raw materials such as nickel, bauxite, and copper will be processed domestically to generate higher returns and create jobs.
The Prabowo administration has announced plans to launch 15 mega downstreaming projects in 2025, with a projected investment of billions of dollars. The government aims to position Indonesia as a key player in the global supply chain for electric vehicle batteries and other high-value industries.
In addition to economic policies, President Prabowo has prioritized defense modernization, social welfare expansion, and investment in infrastructure. His vision includes transforming Indonesia into a developed nation by 2045, coinciding with the country’s centennial celebration.
Public reaction to Prabowo’s leadership has been mixed. Supporters praise his decisive style and commitment to continuity, while critics voice concerns about potential overreliance on state resources for large-scale projects. Political analysts, however, agree that Prabowo’s strong mandate offers him significant leverage to implement his policies without major opposition.
“This level of support is unprecedented,” said Aryo Widodo, a political analyst at Jakarta Political Institute. “But it also comes with high expectations. The public will want to see tangible results, especially in terms of economic growth and job creation.”
Jokowi expressed confidence that Prabowo would successfully implement long-term initiatives launched during his own presidency.
“We fully support President Prabowo in leading Indonesia toward becoming a prosperous, advanced nation,” he said. “Together, we can realize the vision of a strong, united Indonesia.”
Prabowo took office as Indonesia’s eighth president following his victory in the 2024 election. His administration has prioritized economic growth, resource downstreaming, and investment attraction to position Indonesia as a leading global player.
(Becky)
