Socio Today
Jakarta, VIVA – A recent independent survey conducted by the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has placed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, at the bottom of the list for ministerial performance, drawing significant public and analytical attention. The findings, released on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, indicate a critical perception of his tenure within the first year of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. This revelation has triggered widespread discussion regarding the efficacy of key cabinet members and the broader policy direction of the government.
Detailed Survey Findings: A Deep Dive into Public Discontent
The Celios survey, a comprehensive assessment of ministerial performance, revealed particularly stark figures for Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. In the public opinion segment, which sampled a broad demographic, Minister Lahadalia received the lowest rating with a substantial score of –1320. This negative sentiment was further corroborated by the expert judgment survey, where he also garnered the lowest score of –151. These dual negative assessments from both the general populace and seasoned experts underscore a significant level of dissatisfaction with his leadership in the crucial energy and mineral resources sector. The magnitude of these negative scores suggests a widespread perception of underperformance or controversial policy decisions that have resonated negatively across various segments of society. The disparity between his score and those of other ministers on the negative list further highlights the intensity of the critical view directed towards his portfolio.
The energy and mineral resources sector in Indonesia is pivotal to the nation’s economic stability and future development. It encompasses critical areas such as oil and gas exploration and production, coal mining, renewable energy development, electricity generation, and mineral processing. Public expectations for the ESDM minister are consistently high, demanding robust policies that ensure energy security, promote sustainable resource management, attract investment, and contribute to national revenue, all while balancing environmental concerns and community welfare. Any perceived missteps or lack of progress in these areas can quickly translate into public disapproval, especially when issues like energy prices, environmental impact, or resource allocation become contentious.
Contextualizing the Survey: The First Year of the Prabowo Administration
This survey comes at a critical juncture, marking approximately one year since the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet (assuming an October 2024 inauguration). The first year of any new administration is often viewed as a probationary period, where ministers are expected to lay the groundwork for their policies, demonstrate early successes, and build public confidence. Performance assessments during this initial phase are crucial indicators of the government’s overall trajectory and the effectiveness of its chosen leadership.
Celios, known for its independent economic and legal analyses, frequently conducts such surveys to provide objective insights into governance and public policy. Their methodology, combining broad public sampling with expert judgment, aims to capture both the general sentiment and informed opinions on complex issues. The timing of this survey in October 2025 allows for a significant period of observation, moving beyond the initial honeymoon phase and into a period where concrete policy implementation and its effects become visible. Therefore, the findings regarding Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s performance are not merely anecdotal but represent a structured evaluation of his initial year in a high-stakes ministerial role. The results could potentially influence public perception of the entire cabinet and set the tone for the remaining years of the administration.
Ministerial Responses: A Call for Review and Self-Assessment
When confronted with the survey results at the DPP Partai Golkar headquarters in Jakarta, Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated he had not yet read the findings. "Saya belum baca, saya baca dulu ya," he remarked, indicating a need to review the report before offering a detailed response. Despite this, he maintained a confident stance regarding his performance, asserting that his work during the first year of the Prabowo administration had been satisfactory. "Semuanya baik, semuanya baik," he reiterated, suggesting an internal conviction that his department’s efforts were yielding positive results, irrespective of the survey’s findings.
This reaction is somewhat typical for public officials facing critical evaluations. It allows for time to analyze the data, understand the criticisms, and formulate a comprehensive response that may either challenge the survey’s methodology, explain policy nuances, or outline future corrective actions. However, merely dismissing the findings without acknowledging the underlying public sentiment could be perceived negatively by the public and political observers. It places the onus on the minister to provide compelling evidence to counter the survey’s narrative, especially given the significant negative scores.
Other Ministers Under Scrutiny: A Broader Cabinet Performance Picture
While Minister Bahlil Lahadalia received the most critical assessment, the Celios survey also highlighted several other ministers whose performance fell short of public and expert expectations. Ranking second worst was the Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pihai, with a score of –346. This could stem from ongoing concerns about human rights protection, legal reforms, or specific incidents that have drawn public criticism. Human rights portfolios are often under intense scrutiny, particularly in a developing democracy, and public perception is highly sensitive to issues of justice, equality, and state accountability.
Following closely was the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, scoring –253. The food sector is perpetually sensitive, with public concern revolving around price stability, food security, distribution efficiency, and the welfare of farmers. Negative perceptions here could indicate issues with managing commodity prices, ensuring adequate supply, or addressing agrarian challenges. Fluctuations in staple food prices or perceived failures in food distribution systems can quickly erode public trust in the responsible minister.
The Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, received a score of –180. The tourism sector, while a significant contributor to the economy, often faces challenges related to infrastructure development, promotional effectiveness, sustainable tourism practices, and adapting to global travel trends. A negative rating might suggest dissatisfaction with the recovery of the tourism industry, the perceived lack of innovative strategies, or unaddressed issues affecting local communities reliant on tourism.
Lastly, the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, scored –170. The cultural portfolio involves promoting national heritage, supporting artistic endeavors, preserving historical sites, and fostering cultural identity. Negative sentiment could arise from perceived underfunding of cultural initiatives, controversies surrounding cultural policies, or a lack of impactful programs that resonate with the public or artistic communities.
These rankings suggest a broader pattern of public and expert dissatisfaction across several key sectors, indicating that the challenges faced by the Prabowo administration extend beyond a single ministry. It prompts a wider evaluation of cabinet cohesion, policy implementation, and the government’s communication strategy in addressing public concerns.
Methodology and Data Collection: Understanding the Survey’s Reach
The Celios survey was conducted between October 2 and October 17, 2025, gathering data from 1,338 respondents. The sample was designed to be geographically diverse, encompassing individuals from rural areas, suburban fringes, and urban centers. This broad geographical reach aims to capture a comprehensive snapshot of public sentiment across Indonesia’s varied socio-economic landscapes.
A notable aspect of this survey’s methodology was its reliance on digital data collection. Data was collected digitally through targeted advertisements on social media platforms, specifically Facebook and Instagram. This approach offers several advantages, including rapid data collection, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to reach a wide, digitally-connected audience. However, it also presents potential limitations. The representativeness of a sample drawn exclusively from social media users can be debated, as it might inherently exclude segments of the population with limited internet access or those who do not actively use these platforms. While targeted ads can help in reaching specific demographics, ensuring a truly random and unbiased sample remains a challenge in digital surveys. Celios will likely need to provide further details on their weighting and stratification methods to ensure the robustness and statistical validity of their findings against potential digital biases. Nevertheless, the sheer volume of respondents and the inclusion of expert judgment add considerable weight to the findings, making them difficult to dismiss outright.
Implications for Governance and Public Policy
The findings of the Celios survey carry significant implications for the Prabowo administration. For Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, the overwhelmingly negative assessment could prompt a re-evaluation of his policy priorities and communication strategies within the ESDM sector. It could also place him under increased pressure to demonstrate tangible improvements and address public concerns more effectively. A cabinet reshuffle, while not immediately indicated, often becomes a consideration for administrations facing persistent low approval ratings for key ministers.
More broadly, the survey serves as an early warning signal for President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet. Consistent low performance ratings for multiple ministers can erode public trust in the government’s overall competence and commitment to its electoral promises. It highlights the importance of effective leadership, clear policy articulation, and demonstrable results in critical sectors like energy, human rights, food, tourism, and culture. The administration may need to undertake a comprehensive review of its ministerial appointments, policy frameworks, and public engagement efforts to regain or strengthen public confidence.
Furthermore, these results could influence future policy directions. If the public perceives a minister as underperforming, it could make it more challenging for that minister to implement ambitious reforms or garner support for new initiatives. For instance, in the ESDM sector, if Bahlil Lahadalia’s performance is widely seen as poor, it could complicate efforts to push through energy transition policies, attract new investments in critical minerals, or manage the complex dynamics of state-owned enterprises in the energy sector. Public buy-in is crucial for successful policy implementation, and a minister with low approval ratings might struggle to achieve this.
The survey also reinforces the role of independent think tanks like Celios in fostering transparency and accountability in governance. By providing objective assessments, they contribute to a vibrant public discourse and encourage self-correction within government institutions. Their findings often serve as a benchmark against which the public can measure the performance of elected officials and appointed ministers.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The path forward for Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and the Prabowo cabinet will undoubtedly be shaped by these survey results. For the ESDM minister, the immediate challenge will be to address the public and expert criticisms directly, either by disproving the underlying assumptions of the survey with factual data on achievements or by outlining concrete plans for improvement. This might involve greater transparency in policy-making, more robust public consultations, or a visible shift in strategic priorities to align with public expectations.
For the entire administration, the survey is an opportunity for introspection. It underscores the importance of a cohesive and high-performing cabinet that can effectively deliver on its mandate. President Prabowo may need to reassess the performance metrics for his ministers, encourage greater inter-ministerial coordination, and ensure that public feedback is systematically integrated into policy adjustments. The stakes are high, as public perception of performance in the first year often sets the tone for the remainder of an administration’s term.
As Indonesia navigates complex economic, social, and environmental challenges, effective governance is paramount. The Celios survey serves as a timely reminder that public confidence is a fragile commodity, earned through consistent performance, transparent decision-making, and a genuine commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the populace. The coming months will reveal how the Prabowo administration, and particularly Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, respond to this critical assessment and whether they can successfully turn the tide of public opinion.
