1999-2024 MPR-DPR Leadership National Forum Gives Input to the Government

It appears not only in policy, but also in the governance of the policy itself and the lack of public communication is a factor that increases community resistance. (ANTARA)

1999-2024 MPR-DPR Leadership National Forum Gives Input to the Government

JAKARTA - The 1999-2024 National Forum of the MPR and DPR Leadership provided a number of inputs to the government regarding economic and political conditions in the midst of the current geopolitical situation, when halalbihalal with the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, in Jakarta, Thursday (23/4) evening.

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Bambang Soesatyo assessed that the main problem that often arises is not only in policy, but in the governance of the policy itself and the lack of public communication is a factor that increases community resistance.

"The forum agreed to jointly create a conducive situation with the strength of networks, experience and influence that still exist so that the public is calm and supports the government in overcoming the economic domino effect (inflationary shock) due to the current global situation," said the man who is familiarly called Bamsoet in the event, as quoted from a statement received in Jakarta, Saturday.

Apart from fiscal sustainability issues, he continued, the domestic industry continues to be eroded by the rapid influx of imported goods, so that one of them is needed to anticipate the increase in fuel oil prices (BBM) which is always a sensitive issue and is often ridden by certain parties.

This is because, continued Bamsoet, every increase in fuel prices will be felt immediately in people's daily lives, ranging from transportation costs to the price of basic necessities.

It added that the increase in fuel prices also has the potential to increase pressure on the inflation rate and slow down the national economic recovery.

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded Indonesia's inflation in March 2026 at 3.48 percent. Previous experience shows that every adjustment in fuel prices is almost always followed by a short-term inflation spike.

In 2022, for example, inflation touched above five percent after the increase in subsidized fuel prices, before finally being slowly controlled.

"The increase in fuel always has a rapid and widespread chain effect. Once the energy price rises, the logistics cost increases, the price of goods increases and ultimately the people's purchasing power decreases. This is what we must seriously anticipate," said the former Chairman of the MPR and DPR RI.

A number of figures also provided views, input and reinforcement on the importance of more responsive policy governance.

Communication style

Marzuki Alie emphasized the need for improvement in the government's communication style, which is calmer, clearer, and easier for the public to understand.

He assessed that the way policies are delivered is very important in determining public acceptance, including in explaining strategic programs so that they are understood fairly throughout Indonesia.

Rahmat Gobel and Agus Hermanto added that the government needs to protect domestic industries by restricting imported goods so that they do not go bankrupt.

Meanwhile, Amir Uskara said that the communication pattern in the cabinet needed to be thoroughly improved, especially in responding to the rapidly evolving economic and social dynamics.

"Our current fiscal conditions are indeed difficult. Therefore, government communication must be solid so that policies can be understood and do not cause commotion," said Amir.

From a political perspective, Priyo Budi Santoso reminded of the potential for social friction that could arise if public aspirations were not properly channeled.

He said the uncertain global situation increased pressure on the national fiscal condition.

"Parliament must be the voice of the people, including critical and moderate groups. Potential social friction must be anticipated early so that it does not have an impact on national stability," said Priyo.

In addition, Azis Syamsuddin highlighted the importance of strengthening the function of supervision and balance (check and balance) in the democratic system.

According to him, the weakness of this function can trigger various frictions, including in relations between state institutions.

"The 'check and balance' function must run optimally so that government policies remain on the right track and gain public legitimacy," said Azis.

Oesman Sapta Odang or OSO said that the current national condition requires an open dialogue space so that the criticism that is developing can be conveyed to the government in its entirety.

"Our country is facing many challenges. Criticism must reach the government so that it can be a material for improvement," said OSO.

Solid team

On the other hand, Fahri Hamzah assessed that President Prabowo's current leadership has a great opportunity to answer global challenges, as long as it is supported by a strong team and governance that is adaptive to changes, including social media dynamics.

"The president has his own uniqueness and strength, but must be supported by the best team in running the government," said Fahri.

Indonesia, he said, also faces new challenges from social media algorithms that can shape public perceptions massively.

Therefore, regulation of one data and strengthening of accurate information becomes very important.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago also emphasized that the government is open to various inputs and continues to improve policies in various sectors, including in maintaining people's purchasing power and social stability.

"The government is very open. In fact, various inputs like this are important so that the policies taken are more targeted and able to answer existing challenges," said Djamari.

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs emphasized that the government would continue to make improvements to various strategic programs such as strengthening rural economies, social assistance, and food security programs involving various elements, including the TNI and Polri in the field to ensure that implementation runs effectively.

It was emphasized that coordination between the central and regional governments continues to be strengthened. Transfers to the regions are also a concern so that they really have an impact on the community.

The government, he continued, also continues to improve communication with the legislature as part of strengthening the functions of oversight and balance.