When 35-year-old Bekasi resident Ika Kartika voted for Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election, she hoped the former general would restore a “Suharto-like” era of stability, when everyday essentials were affordable and life felt more predictable.
Growing up, she had often heard her parents reminisce about the “good old days” under the late strongman, whose rule had brought a sense of order to their lives.
Two years into his presidency, however, rising food prices have left Ika questioning whether Prabowo, who was once Suharto’s son-in-law, can deliver on that vision.
“I thought he would turn things around. Now I feel cheated and disappointed,” Ika said.