Analyst: Dasco's Move to Summon Economic Officials Demonstrates Oversight Function

Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio believes the move by Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad to summon a number of officials and stakeholders in the economic field is a form of response to public unrest. Hendri Satrio, speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, said the move demonstrates that the DPR is not only carrying out its formal oversight function but also following up on public aspirations. "As a representative of the people, what Dasco did is good. He listened to the people who are currently anxious about the economy, then followed up by summoning parties with authority in the economic sector, such as the National Economic Council, the Ministry of Finance, and others," he said. According to Satrio, the DPR leadership needs to be more active in capturing public aspirations and connecting them with policymakers in the government. "He wants to know what is actually happening, what the government’s explanation is, and what steps can be taken. The people need representatives who not only talk but also seek answers," he said. The founder of the KedaiKOPI survey institute stated that responding to public issues is not enough through statements alone, but must be realised through a tangible oversight function. He said that people’s representatives need to actively find solutions when the public faces problems, including in the economic sector, in order to realise public welfare. "If the people are anxious about the economy, then the people’s representatives must also be anxious, and the same goes for other issues. Not in the sense of panicking, but actively seeking solutions. Ultimately, the goal of politics is to make the people more prosperous," Satrio said. "The important thing is not to stop at just a forum or meeting. After being summoned, there must be follow-up because the public needs to know the results, what solutions are being prepared, and what the impact will be for the community," he added. Previously, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, along with other DPR leaders, held a coordination meeting with the National Economic Council, Bank Indonesia, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to discuss economic growth and mitigation measures. Dasco said the meeting discussed various solutions the government needs to take to anticipate recent economic developments.