The Indonesian government has faced several waves of mass protests since the inauguration of President Prabowo in October 2024. This began when the government implemented policies without proper consideration, such as the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which led to budget cuts in education, social welfare, and health sectors. Public and student anger reached its peak with the enactment of the Indonesian Military Law (TNI Law) on March 20, 2025.
Hashtags like #CabutUUTNI (Repeal the TNI Law), #TolakUUTNI (Reject the TNI Law), and #KembalikanTNIkeBarak (Return the Military to the Barracks) went viral across social media platforms, indicating widespread public concern. The TNI Law has become a controversial topic as it is seen as a potential return to the dual function of the military in civilian affairs, reminiscent of the New Order era under Suharto. Under the new law, active military personnel are granted expanded authority over civilian sectors—increasing from 10 to 14 ministries and institutions—and new authority in Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP), including assisting in tackling cyber threats. This raises concerns about increasing suppression of press freedom and freedom of expression.
Such a situation could further erode public trust and international perception, ultimately weakening Indonesia’s soft power.
Soft Power and Its Causes
Soft power is the ability to attract others to do what a country wants, rather than using coercion, in contrast to hard power or military force. Soft power impacts both internal (the country’s citizens) and external (foreign nations) audiences, both of which are equally important. A conducive domestic environment attracts positive global attention in economic, educational, social, and political spheres. Conversely, if a country is in turmoil, global actors become reluctant to engage with it.
According to Brand Finance, soft power is built on eight key pillars: business & trade, international relations, education and science, culture and heritage, governance, media and communication, sustainable future, and people and values. In the case of the TNI Law, the most affected pillar is governance, as the issue stems from government actions and falls within domestic affairs.
There are five aspects used to assess governance: internationally admired government leaders, political stability and good governance, high ethical standards and low corruption, safety and security, and respect for law and human rights. Beyond the TNI Law, all these governance aspects have been tainted under President Prabowo’s leadership. These issues have further eroded Indonesia’s soft power, diminished public and investor trust, and strained international relations due to perceptions of instability and lack of profitability. Let’s break down the key incidents that have weakened Indonesia’s soft power.
Internationally Admired Government Leaders
Key figures in the current administration have a track record of serious issues. For example, Indonesia’s 8th President, Prabowo Subianto, was involved in human rights violations, including the confirmed abduction of nine human rights activists in 1998, as acknowledged by his father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo. The victims remain missing. Subsequently, Prabowo was dishonorably discharged from the military as Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Pangkostrad) with the rank of Lieutenant General.
His vice president, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has also been criticized. He is known for his disinterest in reading and preference for toys. On several occasions, he has failed to answer journalists’ questions appropriately and has avoided engagements with students and academics. His focus has remained on trivial matters such as checking MBG implementation in schools, visiting flood victims, and inspecting National Strategic Projects (PSNs) without offering clear future plans.
Moreover, many ministers and officials appointed by Prabowo appear to lack competence. Policies often change quickly in response to public protests, suggesting poor planning—evident in the cases of VAT hikes and LPG 3 kg price increases. Public communication by officials has also been poor and unethical, such as the Energy Minister’s comments and the Head of the Presidential Office Hasan Nasbi’s response to a terror attack on Tempo’s office. Appointments seem based on favoritism rather than merit, such as a Tourism Minister who lacks English proficiency and effective public speaking skills.
The careless selection of public figures prevents the country from realizing its full potential and damages its international image. If even competent agents struggle to produce positive outcomes, unqualified and untrustworthy ones certainly weaken a country’s soft power.
Politically Stable and Well-Governed
In the past two months (February–March), there have been widespread protests titled Dark Indonesia in numerous cities. The protests include demands such as restoring budget efficiency in education and health, a full review of the MBG program, rejection of revisions to the Minerba, TNI, Police, and Parliament laws, cancellation of PSNs that violate the rights of indigenous communities, cabinet efficiency by firing incompetent officials, and fast-tracking the Asset Seizure Bill.
Public protests reveal the government’s inability to develop sound policies and govern effectively. This has led to heightened political tension and instability. As a result, global trust in Indonesia continues to erode, affecting multiple sectors.
High Ethical Standards and Low Corruption
Sujiwo Tejo once said, “Why do Indonesians always promote batik and reog? Why not corruption? After all, corruption is our most expensive culture.” Corruption has become so common in Indonesia that the public is no longer surprised, whether among officials or everyday citizens. In February, Indonesia witnessed its biggest corruption scandal ever: the Pertamina case, with a state loss of IDR 968.5 trillion (USD 58.5 billion). Several other cases also involve trillions and billions of rupiah.
In the diagram above, countries with high soft power (top 5) generally have high Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) scores—except China. Therefore, Indonesia must take strong action against corruption to enhance its soft power.
Safe and Secure
Security means freedom from fear and anxiety, as well as protection from violence and other crimes. Public protests have led to political, social, and economic instability, reducing the sense of safety among both locals and foreigners. During the TNI Law demonstrations, protestors faced verbal and physical violence from the police, who should have protected them. Medical teams and journalists—who should be free from harm—were instead assaulted.
What’s most concerning is the lack of government response to meet or address the demonstrators’ concerns. The government is seen as negligent and dismissive. Domestically, people are losing trust in the government, military, and police. Internationally, such conditions are deemed unsuitable for economic development. Foreign investors have begun pulling out, causing the IHSG to drop by 22.5% from IDR 7,772 to IDR 6,023 (as of April 9) under Prabowo’s presidency. The rupiah has also weakened, reaching a high of IDR 17,261 (April 7).
Respect for Law and Human Rights
From the start of Prabowo-Gibran’s candidacy, they have made controversial moves—such as amending the minimum age requirement for vice presidential candidates via the Constitutional Court, solely to support Gibran. Academics have declared the decision illegitimate due to multiple conflicts of interest.
During the recent protests against the TNI Law, numerous human rights violations occurred, including the beating of demonstrators, journalists, and medical personnel. The TNI Law also poses a major threat to freedom of speech and the press—both basic human rights. With new powers over cyber surveillance, the TNI can easily counter, delete, block, and intimidate opposition media. Moreover, their expanded role in civilian posts may lead to militarization of the civil sphere with a dangerous domino effect.
Looking at the picture 1, countries with high soft power also uphold press freedom and human rights—again, with the exception of China. Therefore, President Prabowo must revoke the TNI Law to safeguard Indonesia’s democracy.
Impacts of Weak Soft Power
Weak soft power brings both domestic and international consequences. Domestically, it weakens public pride and involvement in government programs; disrupts and inflates the cost of local goods and services; reduces domestic tourism; lowers quality of life; diminishes shared prosperity; and drives away talented individuals, who may prefer to develop their abilities in more supportive countries.
Internationally, declining soft power due to lack of trust and stability will lead to fewer international partnerships, a drop in global tourist visits, loss of trade and business opportunities, reduced transaction volume, less foreign direct investment (FDI), reluctance from foreign talent to work in Indonesia, and loss of international respect for Indonesian officials.
Given these severe consequences, the Indonesian government must act both preventively and responsively. These actions should focus on restoring public trust by repealing harmful laws—especially the TNI Law—reconsidering National Strategic Projects (PSNs), reevaluating ineffective programs, and fast-tracking people-oriented legislation like the Asset Seizure Bill. By doing so, public trust can be rebuilt, and the country’s condition can become more stable and conducive.
