Prabowo Says First Phase of Administration Not Complete, Mentions Restless Substitute Players

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto likened the Merah Putih Cabinet to a soccer team with both main players and substitutes.

Prabowo stated that the first phase of his administration is still incomplete.

"In this soccer match analogy, we haven't actually reached half-time yet. What does half-time mean? It means we haven't finished one half yet, right? We have five years. So, two and a half years is just the first half. After that, we will move to the second half. Thus, we’re still in the first half," Prabowo said during his speech at the Merah Putih Cabinet Plenary Meeting at the Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

According to him, in this first half, some substitute players are already feeling anxious.

"So, just relax, to the substitute players who I have noticed are restless, wondering 'when will I get to play?','" Prabowo revealed.

Prabowo acknowledged that he had mentioned from the outset that not all players would be utilized in the initial phase.

Therefore, he urged the substitute players not to feel frustrated.

"Some are substitutes, some are supporters, some are strikers. For those who are substitutes, don't be frustrated. Your time will come to play," Prabowo said.

On this occasion, Prabowo expressed his gratitude to all members of the Merah Putih Cabinet.

"In closing, I want to thank you all for your hard work," he stated.