Indonesia’s Prabowo taps Widodo’s allies as advisers amid falling approval rating

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto is seeking to keep potential rivals in his inner circle as he faces growing political pressure by appointing influential figures from across the political establishment to a presidential advisory council, according to analysts.

The council, which advises the president on the direction of government policy but has no power to set or control it, comprises allies of former presidents, political commentators and Muslim leaders.

“These are figures who have influence, connections and mass followings. By keeping them in Prabowo’s orbit, Prabowo can feel a bit more at ease that no opposition is being built outside through these figures,” said Yoes Kenawas, a political analyst with the Indonesian Survey Institute.

On Friday, Prabowo designated 26 political figures, civil society representatives, Muslim leaders, businessmen and activists to the council, which had been vacant since he became president in October 2024.