Jakarta — Political analyst Ujang Komaruddin praised Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for his decisive and straightforward directives to his ministers during the first session of the Merah Putih Cabinet on Wednesday (Oct. 23). Ujang noted that Prabowo’s guidance was firm, clear, and directly addressed key issues, meeting the expectations of the public.

Ujang highlighted several points from Prabowo’s speech, describing them as realistic and focused on core problems, avoiding unnecessary elaboration, which has been anticipated by many.

“What President Prabowo delivered in the first cabinet meeting was direct and firm, cutting to the heart of the matter. He doesn’t want to waste time with unnecessary details,” Ujang told reporters on Thursday (Oct. 24).

Particularly noteworthy was Prabowo’s firm stance that any ministers who disagree with the Free Nutritious Meals program for school children should leave his cabinet. He also urged ministers not to hesitate in dismissing officials who are not working hard for the benefit of the people.

“President Prabowo is not hesitant, and never has been. His instructions were clear: ministers should dismiss any officials who are not working hard in the interests of the people. That’s how it should be,” Ujang explained.

He further emphasized the importance of Prabowo’s initiative to provide free nutritious lunches, calling it a fundamental program to ensure the nation’s children receive proper nutrition. “The Free Nutritious Meals program is crucial to ensuring that our nation’s children are healthy, well-nourished, and able to reach their full potential. Every part of the government, including officials, must support or promote this program,” Ujang continued.

In addition, Ujang pointed to Prabowo’s call for the entire Cabinet to simplify the notoriously convoluted bureaucracy.

“Prabowo hit the mark by addressing the bureaucratic challenges. We all know how complicated it is: the idea that ‘if it can be made difficult, why make it easy?’ needs to be eliminated under Prabowo’s administration. The bureaucracy must be streamlined,” he added.

Another key point in Prabowo’s speech was his call for ministers to reduce unnecessary foreign trips, seminars, and ceremonial events.

“This is a reflection of Prabowo’s commitment to the nation and the people. He wants his ministers to work effectively,” Ujang concluded. (RR)