Deconstructing the one big beautiful bill: Reflections and strategic lessons for Indonesia

This article critically examines the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), a major socio-economic policy initiative enacted in the United States in 2025 under President Donald Trump’s administration, and explores its broader implications and lessons for developing countries, particularly Indonesia. The OBBB package, while promoting permanent tax cuts and family incentives, also introduced significant reductions in healthcare subsidies and social welfare programs. Drawing on political economy frameworks and comparative policy literature, the article argues that such reforms reflect the politicization of fiscal policy, often prioritizing electoral gains over long-term equity and resilience. By incorporating empirical evidence from the U.S. and development policy research, the paper underscores the socioeconomic consequences of weakening public health infrastructure and neglecting inclusive budgeting processes. Such reductions in Medicaid and healthcare subsidies are projected to jeopardize access for millions, thereby exacerbating inequality, worsening health outcomes, and placing greater strain on emergency services. These outcomes highlight the long-term risks of prioritizing short-term economic growth and political advantage over sustainable development and social protection. For Indonesia, this case offers strategic insights into avoiding similar pitfalls by reinforcing data-driven governance, strengthening universal healthcare systems, and investing in social infrastructure. Transparent and inclusive policymaking is emphasized as a safeguard against elite-driven reforms that neglect broader social needs. The article concludes with policy recommendations grounded in international best practices, advocating for adaptive reform strategies that align with Indonesia’s institutional context and democratic accountability mechanisms. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how developing countries could learn from global fiscal experiments without replicating their shortcomings. By embedding equity, inclusivity, and sustainability as guiding principles, Indonesia can chart a reform trajectory that balances growth with social protection, thereby promoting resilient and just development.