Ruben Sasanta

The Honourable Ruben Sasanta OUD KGD CH
Official portrait, 1999
9th Prime Minister of Uskad
In office 9 June 1999 – 19 September 2011
President	Galih Nugroho Letena Sutana Tushtu Sukala
Deputy	Herbertus Halim (to 2004) Talin Jemenak (from 2004)
Preceded by	Isaia Kalesono
Succeeded by	Talin Jemenak
Leader of the Opposition
In office 11 August 1995 – 9 June 1999
Prime Minister	Leteno Sutana Isaia Kalesono
Deputy	Yohanes Numa
Member of Parliament for Sundarawan East
In office 7 October 1984 – 2 September 2019
Preceded by	Yako Hunes
Succeeded by	constituency abolished
Personal details
Born	(1956-02-10) 10 February 1956 Panpinangan, Talukerta
Political party	Progressive Workers' Party
Relations	Suni Jesnio (m. 1981)
Children	3
Residence	Panpinangan
Alma mater	National University of Uskad (BA)
Occupation	Politician, economist
Signature

Ruben Wibawa Prasetya Sasanta OUD KGD CH (born 10 February 1956) is an Uskadian politician who served as Prime Minister of Uskad from 1999 to 2011 and Leader of the Progressive Workers' Party from 1995 and 2011. He also served as Member of Parliament for Sundarawan East from 1984 to 2019. His 12-year tenure is the second longest in Uskadian history, behind the country’s founder and inaugural Prime Minister, Robert Susilman. He was also the first Prime Minister to have been born after the independence of the country.

Sasanta was born in Panpinangan to a working-class family. He was mostly educated at public schools, and attended the National University of Uskad. He later joined the Progressive Workers' Party, working as a functionary and was elected as the MP for Sundarawan East in 1984. He first served as as an adviser to many shadow ministers, and was later appointed by PWP leader Yako Hunes as Shadow Minister of Youth and Sports in 1989. He later became Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1994. Hunes resigned in 1995, and Sasanta was elected leader unopposed.

He began to reform the party, and the PWP adopted many moderate and centrist policies under his leadership, though he was cautious of straying too far to the centre. He later led to the PWP to a landslide victory in 1999, with a sweeping 110-seat majority. His first term was marked by major reforms of the country's welfare system, announced major infrastructure projects and delivered stable economic growth assisted by the efforts of Treasury Minister Herbertus Halim. He also legalised same-sex marriage in 2002, autonomy for provinces, and a failed referendum for federalisation.

He led the PWP to a larger landslide in 2004, with a 186-seat majority. He began to focus on the environment for his second term, passing legislation to increase usage of green energy. He also announced a large-scale project of constructing nuclear power plants. He later faced crisis during the 2008 financial crisis, and Uskad was hardest hit during the recession. The PWP managed to win the 2009 general elections, but with a reduced majority. By his third term, Sasanta was increasingly unpopular, and was replaced by Talin Jemenak. He later retired from frontline politics in 2019.

Early life and education

Ruben Wibawa Prasetya Sasanta was born in Tebersa State Hospital in Panpinangan to mixed Javanese-Native Uskadian parents. His father, Teddy Prakasa (1919-2009), was a business consultant, while his mother, Kalatana Satarana (1925-2023), was a nurse. Sasanta was the eldest child in the family, and had two younger siblings.

He grew up in council housing with his parents, while his two other siblings were sent to live with other relatives. His parents later relocated to Tehumyas, to move to the relatively wealthy area of Citabak, after his father had obtained a position at a consultancy firm.

He first attended Citabak State Primary School, where he was known to be quiet and reserved. He was nicknamed Henry by his classmates. Sasanta began to be interested in politics at age 12, when he saw then-Prime Minister Robert Susilman doing a campaign speech at his neighbourhood, which inspired Sasanta to consider a career in politics. He later attended the Catholic St. Hilarius Secondary School. It was here he met childhood friend and future Minister of the Treasury Herbertus Halim. He was frequently bullied during his time at St. Hilarius, due to his obsession with many of his hobbies but Sasanta himself stated that he still liked the school despite the bullying.

He later attended the National University of Uskad, where he studied economics. While at the university, he was part of the university's gamelan club, and was reportedly skilled at the gendang. Sasanta later demonstrated his skill during a visit to Indonesia in 2002. He was also part of the University's branch of the Progressive Workers' Party, for which he became chairman for two years. He later graduated with a PhD in economics, and later joined the Progressive Workers' Party proper.

Early political career

Shadow cabinet

He intially worked as a party functionary in the PWP, but was later encouraged by childhood Herbertus Halim to run as an MP. He was selected by the PWP to run for the constituency of Sundarawan East in the 1984 general election, defeating CNP incumbent Yako Hunes and was one of the few PWP gains, due to the CNP increasing their majority in the election. He, along with 23 other MPs, became one of the founders of the PWP Democratic Socialists. After consideration by party leader Gena Supaka, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Youth and Sports. He was described as a mainstream social democrat, in contrast to the almost majority left-wing membership of the party.

After the PWP’s poor performance at the 1994 general elections, Sasanta was one of the shadow cabinet members that pressured Supaka into resigning. Supaka later complied with pressure and resigned in 1995. Sasanta was unanimously elected as new PWP leader and became the new Leader of the Opposition. Around this time Prime Minister Letena Sutana resigned and was replaced by his Treasury Minister, Isaia Kalesono.

Leader of the Opposition

During his time as leader of the PWP, he began a shift to the centre-left, expelling figures in the extremes, but also made party unity and collaboration a focus of his leadership. His shadow cabinet remained the same, for the exception of appointing longtime friend Halim to the position of Shadow Minister of the Treasury. This was controversial within the party, as Halim lacked any previous experience in the shadow cabinet. Sasanta defended the appointment, pointing to out his qualifications as an economist. He also began modernising the party structure, reforming the party's communication strategy, and adopting the party's current "Hammer of Progress" logo.

He led the PWP in the 1999 general election campaign, and it was notable for its heavy usage of the internet, and he began an extensive tour of the country. He announced the PWP manifesto, Common Secure Future. The manifesto advocated for social democratic policies, and focused on social justice, welfare, and equality. His public relations reforms worked relatively well, as he managed to expand the party electorate from working-class families to urban professionals. He also very popular among the working-class due to his image as hard-working but approachable Javanese man. He later led the party to victory in the 1999 general elections, gaining a sweeping 110-seat majority.

Prime Minister (1999-2011)

Sasanta became Prime Minister in 9 June 1999, becoming the second Prime Minister to have been born after Uskadian independence. At his first speech as Prime Minister, Sasanta stated that "We must thrive in the new millennium, and we must use this opportunity so Uskad works, prospers for everyone. As always, my only duty is to serve the Uskadian people" At his cabinet appointments, he increased the government ministries into 26 ministries and ensured that his cabinet was gender equal.

Domestic affairs

Sasanta's domestic policies were marked by a focus on social justice, reform and public services. His government launched large-scale infrastructure development, building transport, housing and energy infrastructure. Halim's economic policies helped fund Sasanta's projects, and these projects led sustained growth and low unemployment. Investments in healthcare, education and public services were also a major hallmark of his government.

A series of major welfare reforms implemented were the minimum wage, the expansion of healthcare, and workers' rights reforms. Significant labour protections were also passed during his tenure. These policies did increase living standards, but critics pointed out that inequality still persisted in the rural regions.

Sasanta also strengthened the powers of the State Security Organisation, Uskad's security and intelligence agency.

The government also passed landmark LGBTQ+ rights legislation, with Uskad becoming on of the first countries to legalise same-sex marriage. Sasanta also passed numerous significant transgender rights legislation. The environment was also a focus of Sasanta's government, though critics say his environmental policies led to rising public debt in some areas.

Foreign affairs

Sasanta mostly upheld the pro-Western orientation of Uskadian foreign policy, though he underlined a new focus on stronger ties with post-Soviet and emerging countries. He signed notable trade agreements with Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, and Colombia.

When the September 11 attacks occurred, and the United States announced the invasion of Afghanistan, Sasanta supported the NATO-led intervention in Afghanistan, and sent a small Uskadian contigent to assist NATO forces. Uskad was later designated as a major non-NATO ally. He later expressed reservations about the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, saying that the invasion lacked a clear international mandate, and expressed concerns about the consequences of the invasion. After the invasion, Uskad provided support for the post-war reconstruction efforts.

His policy towards Russia was initially optimistic, but later became almost hostile. He supported and signed trade agreements with Russia, and sought favourable terms for Russian energy imports. However, in the late 2000s, he became critical of Russian president Vladimir Putin and his successor Template:Wp Dimitry Medvedev, as he criticised many of their domestic policies, suppression of opposition, and numerous human rights violations. His shift in policy was seen by critics as controversial and risky, but post-premiership he declared that his policies were justified.

Sasanta was more pragmatic on China, as he focused on further economic cooperation with China, signing agreements in many areas, such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. At the time he privately voiced concerns over China's human rights records and the dispute on the South China Sea.

Great Recession

During the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis, Sasanta initially claimed that Uskad was not affected from the crisis that was occurring in Europe and the United States. As the crisis worsened and began to occur in Uskad, Sasanta immediately introduced assistance packages, and took steps to save the banking system.

While the Uskadian financial sector was insulated from the subprime mortgage crisis in Western economies, declining global demand created liquidity shortages and began to have an effect on Uskadian banks. Sasanta's government began facilitating emergency loans and state-backed guarantees to prevent the collapse of Uskad's economy. These measures mostly worked to certain extent, and maintained confidence in the banking sector, and prevented Uskad from falling into further crisis.

Despite all these interventions, Uskad's recovery was slow and less robust compared to other developing economies. Unemployment still remained high, and public debt increased significantly and growth stagnated as global demand subdued. Critics say that Sasanta has ultimately failed to address the underlying problems of the Uskadian economy post-Recession, such as over-reliance on exports and limited diversification. His efforts were nonetheless praised for its immediacy and protecting vulnerable sectors.

2011 leadership challenge

By the late 2000s, Sasanta was under intense scrutiny by his own party and the public, due to his handling of the Great Recession, and internal divides within the party. A reformist centrist faction began to surface, led by Sasanta's deputy, Talin Jemenak. Tensions between Jemenak and Sasanta began to show after the 2009 general election, and this culminated in the 2011 leadership challenge against Sasanta.

In a leadership debate, Jemenak criticised Sasanta and announced policies that she claimed would address the stagnation and modernise the party. Sasanta responded by promoting his experience and his management of the Great Recession, which he outlined the positive effects. Jemenak narrowly won the 2011 leadership challenge, making her the first female Prime Minister of Uskad.

Loss and resignation

Sasanta conceded the leadership to Jemenak the day after. Sasanta submitted his resignation to the President of Uskad, Tushtu Sukala, and formally recommended the President appoint Jemenak as Prime Minister. He then travelled to Government House, where he made his last speech as Prime Minister, and also announced his resignation as Leader of the PWP.

Post-premiership

Further influence on the PWP

Sasanta remained a backbencher MP, and was reelected in the 2014 general election. He later stood down as his seat was abolished in the 2019 general election. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he criticised the premiership of PWP Prime Minister William Sarbalsta for his handling of the pandemic, and praised his former deputy and treasury minister Herbertus Halim, who came back to serve a third term, for his handling on the economic aspects of the pandemic.

He supported Peter Jasubulu's bid for the PWP leadership after Sarbalsta resignation. He became one of Jasubulu's chief advisers, and some critics perceived him to have essentially became "shadow Prime Minister". After Jasubulu's sudden death, he reportedly "emotionally devastated" and later attended his funeral. He supported Taripana Lutana for the 2024 leadership election, which was instead won by trade unionist Kekelina Pelita.

Other activities

While a backbencher MP, Sasanta wrote and released My Uskad in 2012. In the book, he explains his political journey and some his regrets from his premiership. He also discussed his handling of the 2008 financial crisis, defending some of his actions while lamenting about negative aspects of his response.

In November 2024, Sasanta was reportedly considered for the position of Vice President representing Uskad in the WMCA Executive, but his deputy, Talin Jemenak, obtained the position instead.

Personal life

Sasanta married historian Suni Jesnio in 1981. They have 3 children, Teddy (born 1986), Taraka (born 1997), and Kalar (born 2006). His two brothers, Huni and Poli, are both lawyers. He is a Protestant, although he clarified that he is not religious and does not frequently attend church. He was alleged by various sources to be bisexual, as he reportedly dated a man during his time at the National University of Uskad, although he has denied this in various interviews.

He is a notable cycling enthusiast.

He resides in Tehumyas, and is fluent in Javanese, Ueskadili, Malay, and English.

Honours

• Order of Uskad (2011)
• Knight of the Order of the Golden Dove (2017)