Bamsoet at the Launch of Prabowo's Book: "Healthy Rational Politics" Must Return to Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution

According to Bamsoet, "Common sense politics" is Prabowo Subianto's courage to make decisions that may not be popular. (IST)

JAKARTA - Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) assessed that "common sense politics" must be translated into bold decisions - including when the decision is not popular. He associated it with the agenda of reorganizing the economy to return to the mandate of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. The statement was delivered by Bamsoet at the launch of the book "Prabowo: Politik Akal Sehat Tanpa Panggung" by senior journalist Joseph Osdar at Parle Resto, Senayan Park, Jakarta, Sunday (15/2/26).

"Common sense politics is the courage to make decisions that may not be popular, but are crucial for the safety of the country. Including when he decided to reorganize the Indonesian economic system in accordance with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution, especially Article 33," said Bamsoet.

He also recounted a meeting decades ago with Prabowo Subianto when he was still serving as the head of Kopassus. Bamsoet said Prabowo at that time confirmed his identity as a "war general", not a figure who pursued image-building. "I am a war general, not a golf general," said Bamsoet, quoting Prabowo's statement at that time.

Academic Rocky Gerung raised the moment of the 2019 presidential election debate. He admitted that he had proposed Prabowo "attack back" Joko Widodo with a reference to the book The Great Disruption, but was rejected. "I must admit, Prabowo does have a kind of sense of heroism. He doesn't want to insult President Jokowi on stage," said Rocky.

Former Constitutional Court Chairman Jimly Asshiddiqie, who was also present, said the book was important as a documentation of the phase of political reconciliation. He emphasized stability as a prerequisite for the state to work effectively. "In the eyes of the constitution, stability is a prerequisite for the establishment of the law," said Jimly. According to him, the choice to work "without a stage" contrasts with the instant political culture that relies on image.

Head of the Special Development and Investigation Control Agency (Bappisus) Aries Marsudiyanto assessed that the book portrays leadership that is directed at dedication. He said programs such as free nutritious meals, strengthening MSMEs, fishermen's cooperatives, the Red and White Cooperative, to people's schools are examples of policies that are claimed to target the lower classes. Aries also emphasized the three conditions of leaders, namely morality, capability, electability.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that the government was redirecting the economy to return to the constitution. "Our big job now is to correct neoliberalism. Mr. Prabowo wants to return our economy to the constitutional path, which is imperative, namely the earth, water, and natural wealth are controlled by the state for the prosperity of the people," said Fadli. He claimed to have known Prabowo since his activities in CPDS in 1993 and called the idea not a short-term image.

The launch of this book was attended by a number of figures from across institutions and professions, including the Deputy Chairman of the DPD Tamsil Linrung, Minister of Communication and Information Meutya Hafid, RI Ambassador to Italy Junimart Girsang, as well as a number of political figures, retirees, entrepreneurs, and public activists.