Forum of Former Parliament Leaders Criticizes Corruption, Policy Changes, and Government Communication

The National Forum of the Leadership of the MPR and DPR RI for the 1999-2024 period met with the Deputy Chairman of the DPR RI, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. (IST)

JAKARTA - The National Forum of the Leadership of the MPR and DPR RI for the Period 1999-2024 highlighted the weakness of government coordination, law enforcement, and public communication. Changes in policy in a short time are considered to trigger uncertainty for the public and business actors.

The spotlight was conveyed in a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad at Parle Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday night, July 22.

Chairman of the MPR RI for the period 2019-2024 Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) said that the government's challenge is not merely to produce many policies. The government must ensure that policies are carefully drafted, implemented consistently, supported by law enforcement, and explained to the public.

"The country needs governance that is able to unite inter-institutional visions, strengthen coordination, and build public trust," said Bamsoet.

The meeting was attended by Marzuki Alie, Agung Laksono, Priyo Budi Santoso, Agus Hermanto, Hajriyanto Y. Thohari, Fadel Muhammad, Melani Leimena Suharli, Ahmad Farhan Hamid, and Amir Uskara.

Marzuki Alie assessed that the government's communication channels had not been effective. A number of aspirations of the community and the educational community, according to Marzuki, were finally conveyed through the former parliament leader.

He also highlighted the licensing process which is still an obstacle to investment.

The forum assessed that the government needed to move quickly in facing global economic pressures, geopolitical conflicts, technological changes, and social dynamics. However, the speed of making decisions should not sacrifice planning, inter-ministerial coordination, and evaluation of the impact of policies.

Agung Laksono highlighted the corruption cases that continue to emerge with large losses. He asked the DPR to strengthen oversight so that corruption cases do not stop as news without resolution.

"Cases of corruption that appear almost every day show that law enforcement still needs serious improvement," he said.

The forum also assessed that coordination between the National Police, the Prosecutor's Office, the Corruption Eradication Commission, and the judiciary needed to be strengthened. Overlapping authorities and open inter-institutional polemics are considered to erode public confidence.

Priyo Budi Santoso said that the relationship between law enforcement agencies that triggered political turmoil must be immediately improved. He also asked the DPR to be more active in explaining the government's strategic programs.

Public communication issues are also a concern. The difference in statements, changes in narratives, and late clarifications are considered to open up room for speculation and disinformation.

Fadel Muhammad and Agus Hermanto encouraged the government to appoint a credible spokesperson so that policies do not create misconceptions.

The forum also discussed Free Nutritious Meals, Red and White Village Cooperatives, regional development, investment climate, and the Asset Confiscation Bill.

Dasco said the government was fixing the public communication structure. The DPR, according to Dasco, still oversees ministers through committees even though all parties are in the government coalition.

"Legal certainty, investment climate, distribution of funds to the regions, implementation of Free Nutritious Meals to the Asset Confiscation Bill, we continue to evaluate and coordinate with the government," said Dasco.