The administration of President Prabowo Subianto, only a few months into its term, has been marked by a series of controversies stemming from ministerial policies. From the LPG 3 kg issue to the dispute over four islands in Aceh, these decisions have sparked public unrest. Questions have arisen: are these ministerial actions taken without the president’s knowledge? Furthermore, the notion of “twin suns”—the speculation that some ministers are more loyal to former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) than to Prabowo—has gained traction. This article examines these controversies and addresses the circulating speculation.
A Series of Controversial Policies
Since the outset of Prabowo’s administration, several ministerial policies have drawn public scrutiny. Below are some of the key issues:
- LPG 3 Kg: The policy banning the retail sale of 3 kg LPG cylinders, intended to regulate distribution, backfired by burdening low-income communities reliant on subsidized LPG. Many criticized its poorly planned implementation.
- One-Day TNI Senior Officer Mutation: The rapid, one-day mutation of senior TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) officers raised questions about stability and coordination in decision-making, fueling speculation about the motives behind such a hasty move.
- Sea Wall Controversy: The issue of sea building permits (HGB) in Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 (PIK2) sparked debate due to alleged regulatory violations. This controversy raised accusations of conflicts of interest in reclamation-related policies.
- Raja Ampat Case: Nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat triggered widespread protests over environmental damage in a conservation area. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia initially appeared to defend the mining operations, though several company permits were later revoked under President Prabowo’s directive.
- Dispute Over Four Islands in Aceh: A decision by Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, through Ministerial Decree No. 300.2.2-2138/2025, designated four islands (Pulau Panjang, Lipan, Mangkir Gadang, and Mangkir Ketek) as part of North Sumatra, igniting a conflict with Aceh. President Prabowo later overturned this decision after a limited cabinet meeting, ensuring the islands remained under Aceh’s jurisdiction.
These controversies highlight not only challenges in policy implementation but also questions about coordination within the cabinet.
Without the President’s Knowledge?
A recurring public question is whether these ministerial decisions were made without President Prabowo’s awareness. Based on available information, there is no solid evidence to confirm that these policies were enacted unilaterally without the president’s involvement. However, several points warrant consideration:
- Presidential Intervention: In the Raja Ampat and Aceh islands cases, Prabowo emerged as the final decision-maker. For instance, the revocation of mining permits in Raja Ampat was carried out under his guidance, as was the annulment of the Interior Ministry’s decree on the Aceh islands. This demonstrates the president’s authority to correct ministerial policies.
- Suboptimal Coordination: Controversial policies, such as the LPG 3 kg ban or the TNI officer mutation, have fueled perceptions of inadequate coordination between ministers and the president. In some instances, Prabowo has had to step in as a “firefighter” to quell public backlash.
- Political Context: Several ministers in the current cabinet, including Bahlil Lahadalia and Tito Karnavian, served under Jokowi’s administration. Their presence has sparked speculation that some policies may be influenced by past political dynamics, though no concrete evidence supports this claim.
The “Twin Suns” Narrative
The term “twin suns” refers to the speculation that a dual power structure exists within the government, with some ministers allegedly more loyal to Jokowi than to Prabowo. This narrative has gained traction on social media, with posts alluding to a “Solo Gang” or Jokowi’s inner circle retaining influence.
However, this narrative remains largely speculative rather than fact-based. Key points to consider include:
- Presidential Authority: Strategic decisions, such as resolving the Aceh islands dispute and revoking Raja Ampat mining permits, underscore Prabowo’s full control over his cabinet. His direct interventions weaken the notion of a dual power structure.
- Public Sentiment: The “twin suns” narrative reflects public dissatisfaction with certain ministers’ performance, particularly those perceived as “carryovers” from Jokowi’s era. This perception is amplified by the fact that several ministers indeed served under the previous administration, fueling speculation about their loyalty.
- Lack of Evidence: To date, no concrete evidence—such as official documents or statements—confirms that ministers are acting under Jokowi’s directives. The narrative appears to be an interpretation of complex political dynamics rather than verified fact.
Conclusion
The controversies surrounding ministerial policies in Prabowo’s administration, from LPG 3 kg to the Aceh islands dispute, highlight challenges in cabinet coordination and communication. While there is no evidence that these decisions were made without the president’s knowledge, Prabowo’s direct interventions in several cases underscore the need for tighter oversight. Meanwhile, the “twin suns” narrative, driven by public sentiment and political dynamics, remains speculative and unverified.
The government must enhance internal coordination to prevent similar controversies moving forward. For the public, verifying information and avoiding unproven narratives are crucial to fostering constructive dialogue focused on solutions rather than escalating tensions.
