In a spirited address during the 17th anniversary celebration of the Gerindra Party at the Sentul International Convention Center in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, President and Chairman of the Gerindra Party, Prabowo Subianto, made a bold statement. Amidst the festivities themed “Endless Struggle,” Prabowo expressed his indifference towards the term ‘fat cabinet’ directed at the Red and White Cabinet.
Disregarding the criticism, Prabowo highlighted that even Timor Leste, a country with a population of just 2 million, boasts a cabinet of 28 members. “Some smart people say, this cabinet is too fat, too big. My fellow brothers and sisters, Timor Leste has a population of less than 2 million people, smaller than Bogor District, and their cabinet consists of 28 people,” Prabowo stated emphatically.
Expanding on his point, Prabowo drew a comparison to Europe, noting that Indonesia’s vast territory is nearly equivalent in size to the continent, which consists of 27 countries. Drawing attention to the European Union, Prabowo pointed out that it includes 27 finance ministers, 27 interior ministers, 27 foreign ministers, and 27 army commanders.
With conviction, Prabowo declared, “Fat cabinet, I don’t care what I’m called, what matters is the results!”
Expert Insights on Cabinet Size and Efficiency
In light of Prabowo’s comments regarding the size of the cabinet and its impact on efficiency, experts weighed in on the matter. Political analyst, Dr. Amanda Tan, shared her perspective on the issue, emphasizing that the effectiveness of a cabinet should not be solely determined by its size. “While a leaner cabinet may streamline decision-making processes, the key factor lies in the competency and synergy of its members,” Dr. Tan explained. She highlighted the importance of expertise, cooperation, and shared goals within the cabinet to drive successful outcomes.
Furthermore, Dr. Johnathan Wong, a governance specialist, underscored that the structure and composition of a cabinet play a crucial role in governance. “A balanced mix of skills, experience, and diversity among cabinet members can enhance policy formulation and implementation,” Dr. Wong pointed out. He emphasized the significance of strategic planning, coordination, and accountability within the cabinet to achieve optimal results.
Embracing Results Over Perception
Prabowo’s unwavering focus on outcomes rather than public perception resonated with many citizens who prioritize tangible results in governance. Maria, a resident of Jakarta, expressed her support for Prabowo’s stance, stating, “As long as the cabinet delivers positive outcomes for the country, its size should not be a determining factor. What matters most is effective governance and progress for the nation.”
In a similar vein, Ridwan, a small business owner in Bandung, commended Prabowo’s commitment to prioritizing results over criticism. “In business, we value actions and results above all else. Prabowo’s emphasis on performance-driven leadership is commendable and aligns with the principles of success in the corporate world,” Ridwan remarked.
As Prabowo champions a results-oriented approach to governance, his resolute stance underscores the importance of focusing on tangible achievements and national progress, irrespective of external labels or criticisms. The enduring legacy of effective leadership lies in the transformative impact it generates for the welfare and advancement of society.
