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CampusNet – In politics, goals are often used to justify actions. In Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto and Joko Widodo—once fierce rivals. Now they seem to share a common objective: securing control over power. However, criticism of their methods continues to grow.
Much like the song Oh Yes, They Both Reached for the Gun from the musical Chicago. Which depicts how manipulation can shape public opinion. Prabowo and Jokowi’s leadership has been criticized for allegedly abusing power for political gain.
Jokowi: From Reformist to Political Dynasty?
When Jokowi first took office as president in 2014, he was seen as a fresh, populist leader detached from the old political elite. With a background as a businessman and former mayor, he was expected to bring meaningful reform. However, during his second term, mounting criticism suggests that he has instead been consolidating power for his family.
One of the most controversial moves was his support for his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to run as vice presidential candidate alongside Prabowo in the 2024 election. The Constitutional Court’s ruling that lowered the minimum age requirement for presidential and vice-presidential candidates was seen as a direct political maneuver, especially since the court’s chairman was Jokowi’s brother-in-law. This sparked concerns that Jokowi’s reformist image had transformed into an effort to establish a political dynasty.
Prabowo: From Opposition to Alliance, Then to Power?
Prabowo Subianto, once Jokowi’s fiercest opponent in two presidential elections, is now a close ally. After losing twice, he accepted the position of Minister of Defense in Jokowi’s cabinet. A move that shifted his image from a hardline opposition figure to a key government insider.
Yet, his ambition to become president never faded. In the 2024 election, Prabowo chose Gibran as his running mate, a decision seen as a continuation of Jokowi’s strategy to maintain influence. Many analysts view this alliance as a purely pragmatic political move. Where former enemies now collaborate for the sake of power rather than principle.
Abuse of Power: Growing Criticism
Both Jokowi and Prabowo have faced accusations of power abuse, with several key concerns emerging:
- Neutrality of State Institutions – Allegations have surfaced that government institutions are being used to secure political interests, particularly in the 2024 election.
- Compromise with Oligarchy – Economic and political policies increasingly favor major business elites, raising concerns about the erosion of democracy.
- Democratic Backsliding – Controversial decisions, such as the Constitutional Court ruling that allowed Gibran to run, are seen as setbacks for Indonesia’s political reform.
Power or Democracy?
Amid growing criticism, Indonesians face a fundamental question: Do political objectives justify any means? Is power more important than democratic principles? Just like in Oh Yes, They Both Reached for the Gun, where manipulation shapes public perception, Prabowo and Jokowi seem to be playing a complex political narrative to secure their positions. The challenge now is for the people to remain critical and ensure that power is wielded for the public good—not just for a select elite.