Jakarta — President-elect Prabowo Subianto enjoys a high positive approval rating of 84.1%, according to a recent survey conducted by Litbang Kompas in September 2024. The survey, released on Saturday (October 19), highlighted strong public confidence in Prabowo and Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming’s ability to deliver on their key campaign promises.
One of the major factors behind Prabowo’s strong public image is the widespread belief in the successful implementation of his flagship programs. These programs were frequently highlighted during his campaign, with the free nutritious meals program standing out as a key initiative.
“The flagship free nutritious meals program, for example, has been piloted in several schools, including in Surakarta (Central Java), Tangerang (Banten), Bogor (West Java), and South Jakarta,” the Kompas report states.
One trial of the free nutritious meals program took place at SDN 02 Bojong Koneng in Bogor, where it made a significant impact. Widia, a parent of one of the students, shared that the program helped improve her child’s diet.
“The meals are very nutritious, including vegetables, which can be hard to get children to eat,” Widia said on August 15, 2024.
Muhammad Arda Billy, a student at SDN 02 Bojong Koneng, mentioned that the tasty meals reduced his desire to buy snacks.
“I’m spending less on snacks now because I get delicious free lunches,” Arda shared.
The Kompas survey further indicated that the certainty of continuing these flagship programs is seen as a testament to the high commitment of the Prabowo-Gibran administration to fulfilling other campaign promises, such as building 3 million homes per year.
In addition to domestic programs, the survey pointed to strong public expectations that Prabowo will enhance Indonesia’s global standing and strengthen national defense.
“These two aspects are likely key strategies for the new administration to earn continued public approval,” Litbang Kompas noted in its report. The survey, conducted from September 4 to 10, 2024, reflects a sense of optimism regarding Prabowo’s presidency. (RR)
