25-10-2024 (JAKARTA) President Prabowo Subianto has initiated an unprecedented military-style leadership retreat for Indonesia’s new cabinet, bringing over 100 senior government officials to the mountainous region of Magelang, Central Java, home to the nation’s prestigious military academy.
The innovative team-building exercise, which commenced on Thursday, sees ministers, deputy ministers, and agency heads camping in luxury tents near the academy where Prabowo himself trained in the 1970s. The delegation arrived via Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, marking a dramatic departure from traditional cabinet orientations.
“Team cohesion is my primary focus,” declared Prabowo during Wednesday’s inaugural plenary cabinet meeting, setting the tone for his administration’s unique approach to governance. The president’s military background is clearly influencing his leadership style, though his communications chief, Hasan Nasbi, emphasised that the retreat’s purpose is unity rather than militarisation.
Ministers have been issued full camouflage uniforms, sports attire, and formal white shirts for various activities during their stay. According to Culture Minister Fadli Zon, participants will present their five-year priority programmes and policies, while Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi revealed that outdoor activities will be used to assess individual character traits within the team.
The retreat, situated six hours from Jakarta, represents Prabowo’s distinctive approach to building a cohesive government team. It comes as the president faces the challenge of managing an expanded cabinet while maintaining efficiency and coordination.
This unconventional start to Indonesia’s new administration reflects Prabowo’s emphasis on discipline and teamwork, as his government prepares to tackle its first 100 days in office. The president’s military-influenced leadership style suggests a structured approach to governance, though officials stress that the focus remains on collaborative decision-making rather than hierarchical control.
