Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya enjoys extensive privileges. Damaging institutions and creating disorder.
HOW extraordinary Teddy Indra Wijaya is. He has obtained everything every man desires, as portrayed in Iwan Fals’s song Bento: wealth, power, and privilege. At 37, his assets increased by nearly Rp5 billion in a year to Rp20.1 billion, his military rank rose rapidly, and with a position equivalent only to echelon II, he can direct ministers.
His official position is Cabinet Secretary, an administrative support role for the president and vice president. In reality, he has transformed into an official exceeding the role of a “prime minister.” He controls everything related to the president and even acts as an extension of his authority. Teddy not only determines who may or may not meet the President, but also filters what information reaches Prabowo.
It is no surprise that Prabowo has often responded late or inaccurately to critical events during his presidency. There have been at least five major demonstrations since he took office in October 2024: protests against the value-added tax increase, the Indonesia Gelap (Dark Indonesia) demonstrations, opposition to revisions to the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law, and the massive and bloody August 2025 demonstrations.
Prabowo ignored public opposition to the military’s dual function in the revised TNI Law and still departed for China when the August demonstrations erupted. He retained National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who allowed his officers to respond repressively to the protests. Prabowo even counterattacked the demonstrators by accusing them of being financed by foreign interests.
Prabowo’s responses and narratives regarding those events cannot be separated from the flow of information delivered by Teddy Indra Wijaya. Officials and politicians have complained of difficulty meeting the President to convey important information because Teddy blocked access to him.
Since Prabowo became president, Teddy has indeed been treated exceptionally. Prabowo appointed him Cabinet Secretary despite violating the TNI Law. Under that position, Teddy should have resigned or retired from the military. For Teddy’s sake, Prabowo created a regulation legalizing the military’s dual function in civilian positions.
Within the TNI, Teddy held the rank of major for only 20 months before being promoted to lieutenant colonel. For soldiers without special privilege, promotion at the mid-level officer rank usually requires at least five years. Once he became a lieutenant colonel, he was immediately admitted to the Army Staff and Command School. Normally, students at the institution must first complete at least 18 years of service as officers. At the Army Staff and Command School, Teddy was also allowed to study online under the pretext of his duties as Cabinet Secretary.
The privileges granted to Teddy risk damaging the established career and rank structure of the TNI and the bureaucracy. The special treatment he receives also openly displays nepotism within the innermost circle of power. Teddy’s presence becomes dangerous because he filters information only to please the President.
Prabowo’s absurd responses to the weakening rupiah exchange rate, his attacks on civil society, and his disregard for fiscal discipline that has thrown the economy into disorder may stem from Teddy’s filtering of information. Judging from statements in his speeches, Prabowo appears unable to see the problems and assumes everything is fine.
Of course, the chaos in current public policy stems from Prabowo’s incompetence. Teddy Indra Wijaya’s privileges merely help make the situation even more tangled.
Master of TikTok Content
2 jam lalu
Teddy Indra Wijaya created and attended events aimed at young people. His social media content frequently went viral.
KPK: Cabinet Secretary Teddy's Wealth at Rp20.1 Billion
13 hari lalu
KPK has released the Wealth Report (LHKPN) of Secretary of Cabinet Teddy Indra Wijaya for the 2025 period, with a total wealth reaching R20.1 billion.
Amien Rais Video Case: Minister Urges No Charges Over Prabowo-Teddy Claims
21 hari lalu
Minister of Law and Human Rights Natalius Pigai asks the Ministry of Communication and Digital not to report Amien Rais to the police following his statements about Teddy Indra Wijaya
Amien Rais Accused of Human Rights Violations Over Video on Prabowo, Teddy
22 hari lalu
Minister Natalius Pigai's accusation and allegations from Komdigi regarding Amien Rais's recent statement on Prabowo and Teddy.
Ummat Party Questions Removal of Amien Rais Video on Prabowo
23 hari lalu
The Ummat Party is questioning the disappearance of a video featuring the opinion of the Chair of the Ummat Party's Advisory Council, Amien Rais, from his personal YouTube account.
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo on Workers' Support, New Cities for Workers
23 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Komdigi Blasts Amien Rais Video Alleging Prabowo-Teddy 'Ties'
24 hari lalu
In an eight-minute YouTube video, Amien alleged Prabowo and Teddy had a relationship beyond professional boundaries.
Palace: 400000 Workers Attended May Day Event in Jakarta
24 hari lalu
This year's May Day in Jakarta was held at two sites: the Monas area and outside the DPR building in Central Jakarta.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia's Thomas Cup Exit, France Warship Fact Check
24 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
The Cabinet Secretary's Privilege Inflation
26 hari lalu
Teddy Indra Wijaya has enjoyed a windfall of privileges since serving as Prabowo Subianto's aide. He is now the president's de facto spokesperson.
