Alwi Shihab: Dialogue with the President at the Istana Merdeka to Clear Up Misunderstandings
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The national dialogue gathering at Istana Merdeka on Tuesday (3/3) between Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and national figures, including former presidents and members of the Merah Putih Cabinet, is an effort by the President to clarify misunderstandings surrounding national policy.
According to Alwi Shihab, foreign minister from 1999-2001, President Prabowo, on that occasion, offered a deeply reasoned explanation for why he had taken certain steps in several policies.
“Because there are many misunderstandings that have occurred, Mr Prabowo feels the need to explain to the public the reasons for things this way and that,” Shihab said after attending the buka puasa gathering with the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Shihab said the discussion agenda was seen as in line with the wishes of national figures who want President Prabowo to be able to convey the explanations he wishes to put forward himself.
In that occasion, Prabowo offered explanations for the government’s decisions in foreign policy, particularly regarding Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace (BoP).
“So we must not allow any misunderstandings that would tarnish Mr Prabowo’s name, or lead people to think he is too pro-America, when in fact he has valid reasons,” the former foreign minister said.
President Prabowo Subianto led the Gathering for Unity and National Discourse on Tuesday evening, attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, then President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and former President Joko Widodo, as well as several former vice presidents, and members of the Merah Putih Cabinet.
In addition to Alwi Shihab, Hassan Wirajuda and Marty Natalegawa, former foreign ministers, were among those who attended that Tuesday evening meeting. A number of political party leaders also participated in the national dialogue.
Hassan Wirajuda, foreign minister from 2001-2009, explained that in the meeting, President Prabowo outlined the current geopolitical situation, including the impact of the escalation of the Middle East conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
He said that Prabowo then invited the leaders present to deliberate on how Indonesia should position itself, given that the implications of the Gulf escalation affect not only global security and peace but also the economy.