JAKARTA — Indonesia’s newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto is putting his Cabinet through a military-style retreat this week as part of his plan to instill discipline, teamwork, and coordination among his leadership team. The multi-day retreat, held at Indonesia’s military academy in Magelang, Central Java, aims to strengthen cooperation as the Cabinet prepares for the critical first 100 days of Prabowo’s presidency.
Over 100 ministers, deputy ministers, and agency heads flew to Magelang on October 24 aboard a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, as shared by Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra on Instagram. The group is outfitted in full camouflage uniforms, sports jerseys, and white shirts, and will camp in luxury tents at the military academy, nestled in the mountains of Central Java, about a six-hour drive from the capital Jakarta.
Prabowo, a former general who graduated from the same military academy in the 1970s, emphasized the importance of discipline and coordination during his first plenary Cabinet meeting on October 23. “I prioritise working together as a team,” Prabowo told his ministers. “We will have coordination in Magelang. I think it will bring many benefits.”
The retreat highlights Prabowo’s leadership style, which has consistently leaned on military discipline and a strongman approach. His newly appointed, larger Cabinet will be asked to present their priority programs and policies for his five-year term, according to Minister of Culture Fadli Zon.
Outdoor activities are also on the agenda, aimed at building camaraderie and understanding the character of each team member, said Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi.
“This activity in Magelang is to galvanise the ministers,” said the president’s communications chief Hasan Nasbi. “But this is not militarism. This is for togetherness.” The retreat is a clear reflection of Prabowo’s military background and his determination to foster a cohesive, disciplined leadership team capable of executing his ambitious goals for Indonesia’s future.