Cabinet Secretary Teddy Denies Indonesia Will Descend into Chaos: None of That, Everything Is Under Control!
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has spoken out regarding opinions from various quarters suggesting that Indonesia will descend into chaos in the near future. He assured that the national situation remains under control.
“I want to clarify a few issues. There was a question earlier. So, a while ago, there was an issue circulating that Indonesia would soon face chaos. First, I apologise for needing to correct this; it is a mistaken narrative. There is no chaos. Everything is under control,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy to journalists at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Friday (10/4/2026).
According to Teddy, Indonesia is in a safe and controlled state, despite the dynamics of the global Middle East situation. This is evident from the government’s efforts not to raise the price of fuel oil (BBM).
“Many countries are raising fuel prices and facing fuel shortages, but President Prabowo has decided not to increase subsidised fuel prices at all. That is a fact. You can see for yourself in neighbouring countries and surrounding nations,” he stated.
Furthermore, Teddy said that the national economy is still viewed positively. He mentioned that consumer purchasing power remains maintained and is supported by data from economists.
“Then, secondly, economic data from credible economists shows we are heading towards optimism. Consumer purchasing power is maintained,” he explained.
He also emphasised the stability observed during the last two Eid periods under President Prabowo’s administration. According to him, the availability of basic necessities was ensured, prices remained relatively stable, and the distribution of energy and the flow of people returning to hometowns proceeded smoothly.
“And in fact, as proof, we experienced it together in those two instances; everything was stable. Basic necessity prices, essential needs were available, prices were stable, fuel was available, and the homecoming traffic was smooth. That is factual data available on the ground. Everything is measurable here. So, the public should not worry,” he said.
Observer Inflation
On that occasion, Teddy also affirmed that the government is open to criticism and input from various parties, emphasising the importance of delivery based on data and facts.
However, according to him, there is currently a phenomenon occurring, namely “observer inflation”, which is the increasing number of parties expressing opinions in the public space without supporting expertise background or accurate data.
Teddy added that some opinions circulating in society are not entirely based on facts and have the potential to mislead the public. Nevertheless, the Cabinet Secretary emphasised that public trust in the government remains high.
“There are military observers, foreign observers. And those observers’ data do not match the facts. Their data is incorrect,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
“But what is the fact? The fact is that more than 96 million citizens trust Mr Prabowo more than they trust them. That is real evidence of public trust. It is not an assumption,” he continued.
Furthermore, Teddy conveyed that differences in views are normal in a democracy. According to him, the government does not close off space for criticism, as long as it is conveyed constructively and does not cause unrest in society.
“So, I think it is fine for us to have different views and opinions. Please provide criticism, but do not give statements that lead to anxiety, making people anxious about this nation. Everything is stable, everything is under control,” he stated.
For that reason, all parties are expected to maintain optimism and build positive hopes for the nation’s future.