Socio Today
Jakarta, Indonesia — The Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios), a prominent Jakarta-based independent economic think tank, has released its latest comprehensive evaluation of ministerial performance under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto. According to the newly published survey findings, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia received the lowest performance rating among all cabinet members, drawing sharp criticism from both general public respondents and a panel of subject-matter experts.
The empirical data gathered by Celios places Bahlil at the bottom of the ministerial performance index, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction regarding key policy areas within the energy and mineral resources sectors. As the administration continues to navigate complex economic headwinds, transition toward renewable energy, and manage national resource distribution, the performance of high-profile cabinet ministers remains under intense public and academic microscope.
Detailed Breakdown of Survey Methodology and Metrics
The nationwide study conducted by Celios utilized a dual-evaluation framework incorporating both public sentiment and expert judgment. Data collection took place between October 2 and October 17, 2025, capturing a broad cross-section of Indonesian society. The general public survey engaged 1,338 respondents carefully selected from rural, suburban, and urban communities across the archipelago to ensure demographic and geographic representation.
To reach a diverse audience efficiently, the research team deployed digital data collection methodologies utilizing targeted social media advertisements across major platforms, specifically Facebook and Instagram. This digital-first approach allowed researchers to capture real-time sentiments from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
In the public assessment metric, Bahlil Lahadalia recorded the lowest score in the cabinet, plunging to a staggering negative score of –1320. This negative sentiment was similarly mirrored in the specialized evaluation conducted by a panel of independent policy analysts and academic experts, where Bahlil also scored poorly, registering at –151. The alignment between public dissatisfaction and expert critique highlights deep-seated concerns regarding policy execution, transparency, and regulatory effectiveness within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Other Ministers Scoring Low on the Performance Index
While Bahlil Lahadalia occupied the lowest rung of the performance ladder, the Celios evaluation also highlighted several other high-ranking government officials who struggled to secure positive approval ratings during the assessed period.
Ranking immediately behind Bahlil in terms of public dissatisfaction was Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai, who secured the second-lowest score at –346. Pigai’s placement reflects ongoing public debates regarding human rights enforcement, institutional responsiveness, and the overarching strategy of the newly structured ministry.
Following closely in third place for negative performance metrics was Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, who registered a score of –253. As the official tasked with steering national food security, stabilization, and agricultural productivity amidst global supply chain uncertainties, Zulkifli faced mounting pressure from constituents concerned about commodity price fluctuations and food affordability.
Rounding out the lowest-performing cohort identified in the report were Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, who scored –180, and Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who recorded a score of –170. Both ministries, which play crucial roles in shaping Indonesia’s soft power, cultural preservation, and economic recovery through international and domestic tourism, faced critical evaluations regarding their strategic direction and operational impact over the past year.
Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s Response and Defense
When approached by members of the media at the Golkar Party Central Leadership Board (DPP) headquarters in Jakarta, Minister Bahlil Lahadalia addressed the survey results with apparent calm, noting that he had not yet thoroughly examined the published report.
"I haven’t read it yet. Let me read it first," Bahlil stated to journalists.
Despite the damning numerical scores presented by Celios, Bahlil maintained a positive outlook regarding his tenure and institutional achievements during his first year serving within President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. He firmly asserted that, from his perspective, operations and administrative outcomes within his portfolio have remained steady and productive.
"Everything is fine, everything is good," Bahlil remarked, dismissing immediate concerns over the negative index numbers.
Bahlil’s political career and administrative tenure have frequently placed him at the center of national discourse. Prior to his current appointment as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, he held significant economic portfolios, including Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). Furthermore, his leadership role as the General Chairman of the Golkar Party positions him as one of the most influential political figures in Indonesia’s ruling coalition, making him a frequent subject of both political patronage and rigorous public evaluation.
Broader Policy Context and Related Energy Controversies
The release of the Celios performance index coincides with a period of intense policy debate regarding resource management, energy subsidies, and regulatory enforcement in Indonesia. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has historically shouldered immense scrutiny due to its direct impact on the daily lives of citizens, particularly concerning fuel pricing, electricity tariffs, and the equitable distribution of state-backed subsidies.
In previous public statements, Bahlil has frequently emphasized the need for moral responsibility and equitable resource allocation. Notably, the minister previously drew national attention when addressing the issue of energy subsidy leakage—specifically targeting affluent citizens who utilize premium vehicles, such as BMWs, while consuming subsidized fossil fuels intended strictly for lower-income populations. At the time, Bahlil publicly appealed to the conscience of wealthier motorists, urging them to exercise social responsibility and refrain from draining state fiscal support meant for vulnerable demographics.
These ongoing policy challenges—ranging from subsidy reform to energy transition milestones—form the complex backdrop against which the Celios survey was conducted. Observers note that high-stakes ministries like ESDM are inherently prone to public friction, as policy adjustments directly alter household purchasing power and industrial operational costs.
Implications of Independent Think Tank Evaluations on Governance
The publication of independent performance evaluations by institutions such as Celios serves as a crucial barometer for civil society, policymakers, and the executive branch. While political appointees often dispute methodology or framing, such metrics provide valuable insights into public perception gaps between government objectives and grassroots realities.
For the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, tracking ministerial performance through independent metrics offers an opportunity to reassess communication strategies, address operational bottlenecks, and recalibrate policy implementations in sectors facing acute public discontent—most notably energy, human rights, food coordination, tourism, and culture.
As governance moves further into the legislative and executive calendar, public pressure will likely mount for low-ranking ministries to demonstrate tangible improvements in service delivery, transparency, and policy outcomes. Whether the findings from the Celios survey will prompt administrative reshuffles or targeted policy interventions remains to be seen, but the report undeniably underscores the growing demand for accountability in contemporary Indonesian politics.
