By: Surya Putranama )*
The results of the National Survey on Government Performance Evaluation and Current Strategic Issues released by Poltracking Indonesia show a consistently high level of public optimism regarding various government programs and policies.
The high level of public trust and satisfaction indicates that the public views the various steps taken by the government as a real effort to address the people’s needs while strengthening the foundation of national development.
The survey recorded a level of public trust in the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka of 74.2 percent. Meanwhile, the level of satisfaction with government performance stood at 72.2 percent. These figures indicate that the majority of the public still has a positive assessment of the direction of government policies.
Poltracking Indonesia’s Principal Researcher, Masduri Amrawi, explained that the level of public trust is a combination of those who express strong and moderate trust in the government. According to him, a level of trust above 70 percent indicates strong public legitimacy for the current national leadership.
The high level of public satisfaction is not without reason. Surveys show that various programs that directly address public needs are the primary factors shaping positive perceptions of the government. Government assistance, perceived as being well-targeted, is the biggest factor driving public satisfaction.
Furthermore, the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) and leadership deemed firm and authoritative are also important factors strengthening public trust.
Public trust is also reflected in assessments of various development sectors. The health sector is the sector with the highest satisfaction rate. This indicates that the government’s various efforts to expand access to healthcare services and improve the quality of services have received a positive response from the public.
Besides health, the defense and security sector also received a high level of satisfaction. This assessment indicates that the public perceives the importance of national stability as a foundation for development. A maintained security situation provides space for economic, educational, and social activities to develop optimally.
The education sector also achieved a strong level of satisfaction. This indicates that the public is beginning to feel the benefits of various government programs to expand access to education and improve the quality of human resources. Education is a long-term investment that significantly determines the nation’s future competitiveness.
The same trend is evident across age groups. From Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers, to the Silent Generation, satisfaction levels are relatively even. This demonstrates that government policies are able to address cross-generational needs and gain acceptance from various community groups.
One of the most prominent programs in the survey was the Free Nutritious Meals Program. This program was recorded as the government program most widely perceived as beneficial by the public. Furthermore, the Free Nutritious Meals Program is also the most well-known program with a very high level of public awareness.
This widespread awareness indicates that this program has succeeded in becoming a priority policy that has garnered public attention. Beyond simply being well-known, the program is also considered to have direct benefits because it relates to the basic needs of Indonesian children.
President Prabowo Subianto previously explained that the Free Nutritious Meals Program is a strategic step to ensure Indonesian children receive adequate nutrition. According to the President, the challenge of malnutrition persists in several regions, which can impact children’s physical development and learning abilities.
The President believes that fulfilling nutritional needs is a crucial long-term investment in the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. Therefore, the Free Nutritious Meal Program, in collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency, is part of the government’s broader strategy to build a healthier, more productive, and competitive generation.
The high level of appreciation for the MBG demonstrates that the public understands the program’s importance in supporting the future of Indonesian children. This program is not only focused on health aspects but also has a long-term impact on improving the quality of education and national productivity.
In addition to social programs, public optimism is also evident in the government’s steps to strengthen national investment governance through Danantara Indonesia. A Poltracking survey recorded a public trust level of 54.4 percent in Danantara, higher than
compared to the group that expressed no confidence.
Poltracking Indonesia researcher, Ahmad Zia Fitrahudin, assessed that this level of trust indicates growing public optimism regarding Danantara’s role as a state asset and investment management institution. According to him, the public is beginning to see Danantara’s potential in supporting economic growth and strengthening more productive management of state assets.
The survey also recorded a public satisfaction rate of 51.5 percent with Danantara’s performance. This assessment indicates that although the institution is still in the process of strengthening its role, the public has seen positive trends that can contribute to national development.
The slightly higher level of trust compared to the satisfaction rate indicates that the public still has high hopes for Danantara’s future achievements. This hope serves as important social capital for the success of various economic development agendas currently being implemented by the government.
*) Public Policy Analyst