Cabinet Secretary Teddy Highlights 'Observer Inflation' Phenomenon, Speaks on Analyses Mismatched with Expertise and Facts

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has highlighted a phenomenon he calls “observer inflation”, namely the proliferation of individuals issuing cross-disciplinary analyses unsupported by adequate expertise or data aligned with facts.

“There is currently a phenomenon. What is it? There is something called observer inflation. So, there are many observers. There are rice observers, but their background is not in that field. There are military observers, foreign affairs observers, and these observers’ data do not match the facts; their data is incorrect,” said Teddy at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Friday (10/4/2026).

According to Teddy, there are several observers who convey incorrect data and do not reflect the actual conditions. This phenomenon has been occurring since before Prabowo Subianto assumed the presidency, with the aim of influencing public opinion.

“From the majority, these observers are those who have long tried to influence citizens and shape public opinion. Even before Mr Prabowo became president,” he said.

Teddy noted that this situation contrasts sharply with the level of public trust. He stated that more than 96 million citizens have shown trust in President Prabowo.

Based on the official determination of the General Elections Commission (KPU), the number of voters for the Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair in the 2024 Election was 96,214,691 people.

“In fact, more than 96 million citizens trust Mr Prabowo more. They do not trust them. Well, that is concrete evidence of public trust. Not some assumption,” he said.

Teddy emphasised that differing views and criticism are still permitted, but he reminded everyone not to create anxiety in society. Teddy said the current national condition is stable and under control. Therefore, he invited all parties to maintain good hopes for the state of the nation.

“Of course, it is not yet perfect. We accept criticism, we accept input. Well, as quickly as possible we will perfect it, we will maximise it, as soon as possible,” said Teddy.