Cabinet Briefing In Tidar Valley

The Tidar Valley in Magelang, where young prospective officers were forged, this time became a somewhat other training event. Members of the Red and White cabinet, boarding Hercules planes, abandoned office comfort in order to join the briefing at the Military Academy. This briefing is not an ordinary event; it is a mental and physical test that is thick with nuances of loyalty, discipline, and nationalism.

Behind this step, President Prabowo Subianto seemed to want to convey a firm message that his ministers were not just technocrats. They are 'forces' that must move in one rhythm and under one command for the sake of the people, nation and state.

The training agenda includes various intensive activities: getting up early, training rows, eating with cadets for a limited time, exercising, and climbing Bukit Tidar. President Prabowo chose this military-style approach to instill the discipline and solidarity he hopes to color his cabinet.

In the dusk parade ceremony in the pouring rain, the cabinet members in the striped uniform looked different. Likewise, when President Prabowo was accompanied by the Minister of Defense, the TNI Commander and the National Police Chief examined the troops in the rain there was a strong patriotic and symbolic touch.

The choice of this location implies a clear message: the cabinet must adopt the ethos of hard work, courage, and loyalty of the values it always engages as retired high-ranking military officers. In this context, President Prabowo Subianto's move to create a bold leadership feel, which emphasizes the importance of action more than just statements.

In the Tidar Valley, cabinet members get the experience they rarely experience seeing firsthand the life of the cadets who are full of discipline and courage. No wonder this activity provokes the enthusiasm of the community and the media, creates valuable moments when cabinet members look relaxed, sing together, and enjoy friendly sessions far from formality. These moments show the side of the cabinet that has been hidden so far.

Although many appreciate this approach, criticism still exists. Some argue that the militaristic style can close open discussion spaces and suppress creativity. The top-down style that is usually attached to the military is considered less than ideal for civilian teams that require flexibility.

In civil government, the flexibility and ability to think freely is often important. Here the challenge of President Prabowo becomes clear: how he can combine firmness without sacrificing the creativity of his cabinet. As Andrew Roberts wrote in Leadership in War, the great leader understands when to give orders and when to hear. Prabowo certainly needs to remember this so that his cabinet not only runs straight, but is also innovative.

Although happy, some ministers admit that this challenge is not easy. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, said that getting up at 04.00 am for physical training is not easy. On social media, the response of netizens is also positive, implying great hope: a cabinet that is not only disciplined in military force, but also loyal in real service.

If this is President Prabowo Subianto's way of testing loyalty, fostering discipline, so that members of his cabinet are united and work in harmony, this step should be appreciated. The community hopes that the cabinet will not only be smart in discourse, but also solid, dare to act, and be ready to work hard. In the midst of the challenges of the nation, a compact cabinet, in rhythm, discipline, and loyalty are absolute needs.