On October 20, 2024, President Prabowo Subianto announced the Merah Putih Cabinet, which will govern Indonesia until 2029. Comprising over a hundred officials, this cabinet immediately drew attention for being “large.” But beyond its physical description, does the word “large” carry deeper meanings about how this nation envisions capacity, hope, and challenges in governance?
The term “large”, in its literal sense, often refers to physical size. However, when applied to bureaucracy, it transforms into a metaphor laden with dual implications. Positively, “large” may symbolize abundant resources, diversified functions, and collective strength. Conversely, it often raises skepticism about inefficiency, potential stagnation, or excessive expenditure. This cabinet is challenged to prove that its “size” is a strategic strength rather than a burden.
President Prabowo’s announcement was filled with optimism, urging the cabinet to work with dedication and professionalism to deliver significant changes for the nation’s progress. The cabinet’s structure, consisting of seven Coordinating Ministers, dozens of ministries, and over fifty deputy ministers, presents substantial potential to tackle national challenges. However, will this “large” cabinet translate into a resourceful team or an unwieldy bureaucracy?
Reimagining “Food Barns”: A Linguistic and Cultural Perspective
One of the key phrases in President Prabowo’s vision is “food barns” (lumbung pangan in Indonesian). At its core, a “barn” represents a storage place for harvests, rooted in the agrarian life of Indonesian society. Linguistically, this word holds profound cultural significance, evoking images of community, trust, and sustainability. It encapsulates not just economic goals but also the nation’s independence.
When applied on a national scale, “food barns” become a metaphor for ambitious aspirations: self-sufficiency in food, free from dependency on imports. This is not merely a policy but a symbolic gesture. According to linguistic theories such as the “conceptual metaphor theory” by Lakoff and Johnson (Metaphors We Live By), this term transforms an abstract idea of food security into a tangible image of a barn. By choosing this term, President Prabowo ties the vision of food sovereignty to a sense of national pride, deeply embedded in traditional practices.
Furthermore, the phrase builds a collective narrative. When Indonesians hear “food barns,” they don’t merely envision warehouses; they imagine a sense of security, sustainability, and national resilience. Thus, “food barns” become a rallying cry for self-sufficiency—a long-standing aspiration that defines the nation’s economic and social independence.
Balancing Optimism and Skepticism: The Challenge of a “Large” Cabinet
Public optimism often mirrors the rhetoric of leadership. During the announcement of the Merah Putih Cabinet, President Prabowo emphasized that this government is committed to political sovereignty, economic independence, and cultural pride. These are principles deeply rooted in Indonesia’s Constitution and Pancasila.
Yet, the paradox of the term “large” is undeniable. While it evokes collective strength, it also raises doubts about potential inefficiencies. As a result, society will not only measure the cabinet’s success by its achievements but also by its ability to overcome the perceived drawbacks of its size. Can this cabinet truly maximize its resources and structure to execute ambitious programs, such as poverty alleviation and educational reform?
One promising step is the government’s decision to promote local innovation, such as using vehicles produced by Pindad for official use. This reflects a broader effort to embody the principles of Pancasila, particularly its fifth tenet: “Social Justice for All Indonesians.” Such policies are not just administrative decisions but symbolic gestures that reflect national ideals.
From Words to Reality: A Twist of Hope
Ultimately, words like “large” and “food barns” are just the beginning. Whether this cabinet succeeds in turning these concepts into action will determine how these terms are remembered. As the saying goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”—success is not in the plans or promises but in tangible outcomes.
Over the next few years, the public will closely watch whether this cabinet can deliver real solutions to critical issues, such as poverty eradication and national education. If successful, “large” will become synonymous with collective strength, and “food barns” will symbolize achievement born from hard work. Conversely, failure may render these terms as reminders of unfulfilled promises, urging us to rethink how words can inspire actions.
References
- Lakoff, George, and Mark Johnson. Metaphors We Live By. University of Chicago Press, 1980.
- The 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.
- Prabowo Subianto, speech during the announcement of the Merah Putih Cabinet, October 20, 2024.
