Prabowo Warns of 'Little Kings' Phenomenon in Bureaucracy

Indonesian President Prabowo has expressed strong concerns regarding a phenomenon within government agencies where certain bureaucrats are perceived as "untouchable" and resistant to directives, referred to as the "deep state" or "little kings." This suggests a situation where inter-ministerial coordination is suboptimal, and some officials may be overextending their authority. Speaking on a government media program, President Prabowo pointed out, "There are directors-general who are untouchable, not in sync with ministers, authorities, and so on." He explained that bureaucrats who have served in a specific ministry for decades and are well-versed in its internal workings often act as "little kings." While adept at managing their organizations, they sometimes tend to resist reforms or directives. While acknowledging that this issue does not apply to all state apparatus, the President admitted the current situation where some officials feel they are "kings" themselves, hindering smooth coordination between ministries. President Prabowo stressed that under his administration, no bureaucratic official will be able to evade evaluation or disciplinary action. He stated that all state apparatus must work in accordance with regulations and the direction of government policy. This statement signifies the deep-rooted nature of Indonesian bureaucracy and the new administration's determination to reform it. President Prabowo reaffirmed his commitment to efficient and transparent governance to meet the public's expectations.