Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – Constitutional law expert from Mulawarman University, Herdiansyah Hamzah, said the sharp decline in public satisfaction with President Prabowo Subianto's performance reflects growing concerns over government policies and their implementation on the ground.
Herdiansyah said public criticism has intensified over Prabowo's efforts to fulfill his campaign promises, particularly the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, one of the administration's flagship initiatives.
He argued that the program has faced management problems, citing allegations of corruption involving former officials of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the institution responsible for overseeing MBG.
MBG criticism and public dissatisfaction
As a member of the Presidium of the Indonesian Caucus for Academic Freedom, Herdiansyah said the issues surrounding MBG go beyond alleged corruption, warning that poor management of the program could have broader consequences for national education.
"Imagine the government choosing to allocate a large amount of funds for this program instead of addressing teachers' needs and welfare," he said on Monday, July 27, 2026.
His remarks came after a survey by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) showed that Prabowo's approval rating fell to 51.1 percent in July 2026, down from 81.2 percent nine months earlier.
Calls for policy evaluation
Herdiansyah said the decline in public support has not been followed by significant policy evaluations from the government. He pointed to the continued implementation of MBG and the Red and White Village Cooperatives program despite mounting criticism.
"I suspect these protests will continue to grow because instead of responding to public criticism, Prabowo appears to be challenging it," he said.
He also criticized Prabowo's recent remarks that labeled journalists and non-governmental organizations as londo ireng, saying such statements reflected intolerance toward criticism.
According to Herdiansyah, dismissing criticism from civil society could further intensify public opposition and potentially trigger broader social movements.
"I think this will further fuel protests, even leading to civilian disobedience," he said.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2115669/expert-explains-why-prabowos-approval-rating-has-plummete