Indonesia at Risk of Becoming a Failed State, Warns President Prabowo
In a stark warning during the TNI-Polri Rapim meeting in Jakarta on January 30, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the critical role of Indonesia’s military and police in maintaining national stability. He cautioned that the country could descend into a failed state if these institutions falter in their duties. “Usually the characteristics of a failed country are the army and police who fail,” Prabowo stated, emphasizing that the TNI-Polri are the embodiment of the state’s presence and sovereignty enforcement.
But what exactly defines a failed state? According to Britannica, a failed state is one that cannot perform two essential functions of a sovereign nation: projecting authority over its territory and people, and protecting its national boundaries. Such a state’s government is so weakened that it struggles to fulfill basic administrative tasks, control resources, or provide essential public services.
The Anatomy of a Failed State
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A failed state is marked by a collapse of infrastructure, stagnant utility and healthcare systems, and deteriorating human growth indicators like rising infant mortality and declining literacy rates.Corruption thrives,economic growth stagnates,and honest economic activity becomes nearly impossible. The causes are diverse, ranging from civil wars and ethnic violence to predatory government behavior.
Prabowo’s warning underscores the fragility of Indonesia’s institutions. A failed state,he noted,cannot maintain a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence,minimize internal conflicts,or implement effective public policies. it also fails to represent its citizens politically, protect civil and human rights, or provide a stable economic and political environment.
Key Characteristics of a Failed State
| Characteristic | description |
|———————————————|———————————————————————————|
| Loss of Monopoly on violence | Inability to control internal conflicts or enforce laws. |
| Collapsed Infrastructure | stagnant utilities,healthcare,and education systems. |
| Economic Decline | Negative growth rates and rampant corruption. |
| political Instability | Lack of representative governance and human rights protections. |
| Erosion of Public Trust | Citizens and the international community lose faith in the government. |
prabowo’s remarks serve as a call to action for Indonesia’s leaders and citizens alike. The stability of the nation hinges on the strength and integrity of its institutions. As the President noted, the TNI-Polri are not just defenders of the state but also symbols of its sovereignty.Their failure could spell disaster for Indonesia’s future.
The stakes are high. Without robust institutions,Indonesia risks joining the ranks of failed states,where chaos replaces order,and hope gives way to despair. The question now is whether the nation can rise to the challenge and safeguard its future.
Indonesia’s Future at Stake: Expert Insights on the Risk of Becoming a Failed State
In a recent address, President Prabowo Subianto issued a stark warning about Indonesia’s risk of descending into a failed state if its institutions, particularly the military and police, falter in their duties. To unpack this critical issue, World Today News senior editor Sarah Mitchell sat down with Dr. Rizky Aditya, a leading expert in political science and Southeast Asian studies. together,thay explore the defining characteristics of failed states,the challenges facing Indonesia,and what can be done to safeguard its future.
The Anatomy of a Failed State
Sarah Mitchell: Dr. Aditya, President Prabowo recently highlighted the dangers of Indonesia becoming a failed state. Can you explain what defines a failed state and why it’s such a critical issue?
Dr. Rizky Aditya: absolutely, Sarah.A failed state is a nation where the goverment loses its ability to enforce laws, maintain order, and provide essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Key indicators include the inability to control internal conflicts,economic decline,rampant corruption,and a loss of public trust. In such states, institutions crumble, and chaos frequently enough replaces governance. Prabowo’s warning underscores the fragility of Indonesia’s institutions and the urgent need to address these vulnerabilities.
Key characteristics of a Failed State
Sarah Mitchell: Let’s dive deeper into the defining characteristics of a failed state. How do these manifest in real-world scenarios?
Dr. Rizky Aditya: The key characteristics are interconnected. First, ther’s the loss of monopoly on violence, where the government can’t control internal conflicts or enforce laws. This frequently enough leads to a collapse of infrastructure, with stagnant utilities, healthcare, and education systems. Economically, you see negative growth rates and rampant corruption, which further erode public trust. Politically, there’s instability due to a lack of representative governance and human rights protections. These factors create a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break.
Indonesia’s Fragile Institutions
Sarah Mitchell: President Prabowo emphasized the role of the TNI-Polri in maintaining national stability. How critical are these institutions to indonesia’s future?
Dr. Rizky Aditya: The TNI-Polri are the backbone of Indonesia’s sovereignty. They’re not just defenders of the state but symbols of its authority.If these institutions fail, the consequences would be catastrophic. They’re essential for maintaining order, protecting borders, and ensuring the government can function effectively. Though, their integrity and strength depend on robust leadership and public trust, both of which are under strain.
Economic Decline and Corruption
sarah Mitchell: Economic decline and corruption are often cited as key drivers of state failure. How do these factors impact Indonesia specifically?
Dr. Rizky Aditya: Economic decline exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. Negative growth rates lead to unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. When combined with corruption,it creates an habitat where honest economic activity becomes nearly unachievable.This erodes public trust and undermines the government’s ability to implement effective policies. Indonesia has made strides in combating corruption, but persistent issues remain a important threat.
Political Instability and Governance
Sarah Mitchell: Political instability is another hallmark of a failed state. What lessons can Indonesia learn from other nations that have faced similar challenges?
Dr. Rizky Aditya: History shows that political instability often stems from a lack of representative governance and human rights protections. Countries that fail to address these issues risk descending into chaos. Indonesia must prioritize inclusive governance, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure accountability. Civil society also plays a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and advocating for change.
Erosion of Public Trust
Sarah Mitchell: The erosion of public trust is a recurring theme in discussions about failed states. How can Indonesia rebuild trust in its government?
Dr. Rizky Aditya: Rebuilding trust requires openness, accountability, and tangible improvements in public services. The government must demonstrate its commitment to addressing citizens’ needs and combating corruption. Engaging with civil society and fostering open dialog are also essential.Trust is built over time, but it’s the foundation of any stable and functioning state.
The Path Forward
Sarah Mitchell: As we conclude, what steps can Indonesia take to avoid the pitfalls of a failed state and secure its future?
Dr. Rizky Aditya: Indonesia’s future hinges on the strength of its institutions. Strengthening the TNI-Polri, combating corruption, and ensuring inclusive governance are critical. Economic reforms and investments in infrastructure and public services are also essential. Above all, there must be a collective commitment from leaders, institutions, and citizens to safeguard the nation’s stability. The stakes are high, but with decisive action, Indonesia can rise to the challenge.
this interview highlights the urgent need for Indonesia to address its institutional vulnerabilities and the collective responsibility required to secure its future. As Dr. Aditya aptly noted, the path forward demands transparency, accountability, and a commitment to inclusive governance.
