Political Observer: Cabinet Secretary Teddy Fulfils Role as Presidential Policy Mediator
Jakarta — Political communications observer and Executive Director of the Survey and Polling Institute of Indonesia (SPIN), Igor Dirgantara, has assessed that Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya consistently fulfils the Cabinet Secretary function as a bridge between the President and the public.
“Essentially, the Cabinet Secretary is able to execute his function as a mediator of the President’s policies to society. And this is appreciated by the public,” said Igor in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
Igor also noted that Teddy has been willing to “take a stand” amid public criticism by explaining the direction and vision of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Moreover, the government has emphasised that it is not opposed to criticism.
Teddy’s role has become increasingly prominent precisely because he stands at the forefront at a time when many others have chosen to be cautious or distance themselves from policy controversies.
Igor stated that Teddy frequently appears when various criticisms emerge, such as those regarding government policy in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
He provides explanations to the public with clarity, and according to Igor, Teddy’s approach demonstrates the courage to remain in the public sphere while the government faces criticism.
“In the midst of the dynamics of criticism surrounding government policy, the Cabinet Secretary’s presence in directly explaining the President’s perspective helps the public understand the full purpose of the policy,” he said.
According to him, Teddy’s communication with the public is not merely a defence of the government administration. Rather, it is more about ensuring that the President’s grand vision is not distorted by various narratives circulating in the public sphere.
Furthermore, Teddy directly understands the direction of policy and the President’s priorities, so the explanations he provides become an important reference in understanding the government’s official position.
“This role is important so that society obtains a complete picture of the objectives behind the policies adopted by the President,” said Igor.
Igor added that his presence as a consistent figure explaining the President’s vision is an important need in modern governance. This is because not all officials are willing to take on a communication role amid the pressure of public criticism, yet Teddy is doing so.
“In the context of political communication, the presence of a figure capable of directly explaining the President’s vision is indeed an important requirement,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary’s involvement in providing policy explanations, according to Igor, can be viewed as part of an effort to strengthen government transparency.
Igor assessed that active communication reflects that the Cabinet Secretary is not merely executing administrative government functions but is playing a strategic role in ensuring the President’s message and vision reach the public clearly.
“The public thus gains access to clearer information regarding the direction of the President’s policy,” he said.