Editorial: The Years of Just ‘Omon-Omon’

Editorial Omong-Omong

3 min read

Once the stone you’re crawling under
Is lifted off your shoulders
Once the cloud that’s raining over your head disappears
The noise that you’ll hear
Is the crashing down of hollow years

~ Dream Theater, “Hollow Years” ~

As prices steadily climb and jobs become harder to find, Indonesians will awaken to 2025 facing an even gloomier future. The government, led by Prabowo Subianto, has decided to increase the value-added tax (VAT) from 11% to 12%, exacerbating the already dire situation for many. This hike will inflate living costs across the board, from food to transportation to school fees, piling pressure on a populace already struggling to make ends meet.

This 1% increase in VAT represents a more than 9% rise in tax levied at every stage of production and supply chains. Ultimately, this cost will be borne by consumers, who will face price hikes far exceeding the official increase as compounded costs trickle down through each phase.

Prabowo has often portrayed himself as a “man of his word,” but his rhetoric appears increasingly hollow. Using his own term, it’s all just “omon-omon”—empty talk. Disappointingly, he’s proving to be no different from his predecessor, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

Before his election, Prabowo adamantly promised not to raise taxes, criticizing previous governments for doing so and pledging instead to cut wasteful spending. He told the public, “I will never increase taxes. I will never bring misery to the people.” Yet, within just two months of assuming office, he raised VAT. To make matters worse, the announcement came while Prabowo was abroad, and he has since remained silent on this decision, which directly harms the very voters who placed their trust in him.

Prabowo also emphasized prudent use of tax revenue, condemning waste and inefficiency. Yet, shortly after taking office, he formed a cabinet with over 100 members, burdening the state with unnecessary salaries for incapable ministers and vice ministers. This wastefulness is epitomized by Hasan Nasbi, Prabowo’s communication chief, who appointed some 50 new officials, or “official buzzers,” seemingly tasked with spinning government actions for public consumption.

Each of these officials has multiple staff members, all paid generously with taxpayer money. These layers of bureaucracy serve as little more than a cosmetic facade, epitomizing Prabowo’s “omon-omon”—a colossal waste of resources. Even the director of communications for the U.S. president might be envious of such an expansive entourage.

So much for Prabowo’s pledge to save taxpayers’ money.

During his campaign, Prabowo promised to hunt down corruptors, vowing to chase them “even to Antarctica.” However, since taking office, his administration has instead floated the idea of pardoning corruptors in exchange for returning stolen funds. His law and justice chief minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, even claimed that “putting corruptors in prison does not benefit the country.”

How far this falls from the fiery rhetoric of pursuing justice at all costs.

Indonesia’s Biggest Problem: Jokowi

Every well-informed Indonesian, not to mention intellectuals—unless compromised by bribes or personal gain—understands the damage wrought by former president Jokowi during his decade in power. His legacy includes personal scandals, dubious academic credentials, and the dismantling of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which led to a worsening corruption index.

Under his watch, democratic institutions eroded, foreign debt ballooned, and natural resources were sold off or destroyed. Even after leaving office in October, Jokowi continues to meddle in provincial elections, striving to maintain influence over Indonesia’s politics and bureaucracy.

Civil society groups and activists have called for Jokowi to be held accountable for his destructive actions. Ironically, Prabowo’s gestures suggest admiration for Jokowi, as he commits to continuing the former president’s legacy. Prabowo has met Jokowi several times, granting him apparent influence over cabinet appointments and other key decisions. Of all Indonesia’s leaders and intellectuals, Prabowo seems uniquely blind to the havoc Jokowi has caused.

By October, Indonesia’s debt had swelled to nearly IDR 9,000 trillion (USD 560 billion), more than three times the level in 2014. In 2025 alone, Prabowo’s administration will face debt payments totaling around IDR 1,350 trillion, or more than one-third of the national budget of IDR 3,621 trillion. Yet, no accountability has been provided for where this money went. For the nation’s dignity, Jokowi must be brought to justice. Leaders must face consequences for their actions; otherwise, impunity will persist.

Prabowo seems overwhelmed by the myriad problems inherited from Jokowi, lacking a sense of urgency or a clear strategy. He should begin by distancing himself from Jokowi, then investigating problematic projects. Unfortunately, Prabowo’s closeness to Jokowi makes such steps unlikely. Those hoping Prabowo might eventually hold Jokowi and his son, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, accountable should abandon such dreams.

Same Playbook, Different Player

Instead of addressing pressing issues, Prabowo seems to emulate Jokowi. If Jokowi could push his son into the vice presidency, Prabowo could appoint his “ideological son” Sugiono as foreign minister and his close confidant, Major Teddy, as cabinet secretary, flouting conventions and meritocracy.

The cancellation of senior painter Yos Suprapto’s exhibition at Jakarta’s Galeri Nasional further underscores Jokowi’s lingering influence. Paintings depicting Jokowi critically were deemed “politically motivated” by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who defended the censorship instead of upholding artistic freedom. This incident highlights Prabowo’s disregard for democratic principles and freedom of expression.

A Dire Outlook for Opposition and Criticism

Prabowo’s administration seems to shows no respect for democracy or dissent. He dismisses critics of his free meal policy as “professors with no heart” and has declared that Indonesia “does not need opposition.” The recent decision by the KPK to name Hasto Kristiyanto, secretary-general of the opposition PDIP, as a suspect should be viewed in this context. While the evidence may be valid, the KPK—under Jokowi—was weaponized against political opponents. This raises doubts about the institution’s motives under Prabowo.

A witch hunt against opposition means Indonesia’s democracy exists in name only. Prabowo has asked Indonesians to be patient, saying he has only been in office for two months. However, without genuine goodwill, capable and clean bureaucracy, meritocracy and sense of urgency to do the most crucial issues, time will make no difference. Whether it’s two months, a year, or five years, no progress will be made.

This is a new president with the taste of an old, rotten one.

Happy new struggling year, Indonesia.

Editorial Omong-Omong

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