Tidar Valley in Magelang, where young officer candidates are trained, this time became a somewhat different training event. Members of the Red and White cabinet, boarded a Hercules plane, leaving the comfort of the office to join the briefing at the Military Academy. This briefing was no ordinary event; it was a mental and physical test that was 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 were “troops” that had to move in one rhythm and under one command for the sake of the people, nation, and state.
The training agenda included various intensive activities: waking up early, marching exercises, eating together with the cadets for a limited time, exercising, and climbing Tidar Hill. President Prabowo chose this military-style approach to instill the discipline and solidarity that he hoped would color his cabinet.
In the twilight parade ceremony amidst the pouring rain, the cabinet members in camouflage uniforms looked different. Likewise, when President Prabowo was accompanied by the Minister of Defense, the TNI Commander and the Chief of Police inspecting troops in the rain—there was a strong patriotic and symbolic touch.
The choice of location conveys a clear message: the cabinet must adopt an ethic of hard work, courage, and loyalty—values that he has always upheld as a retired high-ranking military officer. In this context, President Prabowo Subianto's move creates a nuance of bold leadership, which emphasizes the importance of action rather than mere statements.
In the Tidar Valley, cabinet members gained an experience they rarely had—seeing firsthand the lives of cadets who are full of discipline and courage. It is no wonder that this activity sparked enthusiasm from the public and the media, creating valuable moments when cabinet members looked relaxed, sang together, and enjoyed a friendly session far from formality. These moments showed a side of the cabinet that had perhaps been hidden so far.
While many appreciate this approach, there are still critics. Some argue that the militaristic style can close off open discussion and stifle creativity. The top-down style that is usually associated with the military is considered less than ideal for civilian teams that need flexibility.
In civilian government, flexibility and the ability to think freely are often important. Here President Prabowo's challenge becomes clear: how he can combine decisiveness without sacrificing the creativity of his cabinet. As Andrew Roberts wrote in Leadership in War, great leaders understand when to give orders and when to listen. Prabowo certainly needs to remember this so that his cabinet not only runs smoothly, but also innovatively.
Although happy, several ministers admit that this challenge is not easy. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, said that waking up at 04.00 in the morning to do physical training is not easy. On social media, netizens' responses were also positive, implying great hopes: a cabinet that is not only disciplined in military garb, but also loyal in real service.
If this is President Prabowo Subianto's way of testing loyalty, fostering discipline, so that his cabinet members are united and work in harmony, this step deserves to be appreciated. The public expects the cabinet to not only be clever in discourse, but also solid, brave in action, and ready to work hard. In the midst of the nation's challenges, a compact, harmonious, disciplined, and loyal cabinet is an absolute necessity.
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