Prabowo Appoints Billionaires, Religious Leaders to Indonesia’s Advisory Council

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has appointed a new presidential advisory council featuring some of the country’s richest businessmen, senior politicians and prominent Islamic figures.

As his administration faces growing scrutiny over its policies and a decline in public approval. Prabowo announced 24 members to the council on Friday, including billionaire businessmen Dato Sri Tahir, founder of Mayapada Group, and Chairul Tanjung, who founded CT Corp. Their business empires span finance, media, retail and hospitality.

The council also includes two former leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisation, and four senior politicians from parties supporting Prabowo’s coalition government. Three of the politicians previously served as cabinet ministers.

Council Returns After Two-Year Gap

The presidential advisory council was established in 2006. However, Prabowo did not appoint new members during his first two years in office.

The appointments come shortly after two cabinet reshuffles carried out within three weeks. The changes included the appointment of new ministers in key portfolios such as finance and foreign affairs.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to share our experiences,” council chief Pratikno said following the inauguration.

The council is intended to provide advice on strategic issues, but analysts say its effectiveness will depend on whether it gains a meaningful role in shaping government policy.

Political Base Under Pressure

The appointments come as Prabowo’s approval ratings have weakened, while concerns have grown among sections of the public and investment community over the direction of his policymaking.

Arya Fernandes, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the new council could help strengthen Prabowo’s political base.

“The big homework is ensuring that this advisory council truly plays a role in formulating strategic policies,” Fernandes said.

The combination of business leaders, coalition politicians and influential Islamic figures gives Prabowo a council with connections across several important sections of Indonesian society.

Anwar Usman Among Appointees

One of the more controversial names on the council is Anwar Usman, the former chief justice of Indonesia’s Constitutional Court.

Usman was removed from the position following an ethics violation linked to a court ruling that changed the eligibility rules for presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

The ruling allowed Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the nephew of Usman and son of former President Joko Widodo, to run as Prabowo’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2024 election despite being below the standard age threshold at the time.

The new advisory council comes as Prabowo continues to reorganise his administration while seeking to strengthen political support and address concerns over economic and government policy.