Analyst Says Dasco's Move to Summon Economic Officials Deserves Appreciation
Political analyst Hendri Satrio has assessed that the move by House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad to summon a number of officials and stakeholders in the economic field is a correct action as a representative of the people. According to Hensa, as he is familiarly known, the move demonstrates that the DPR is not only carrying out its oversight function formally, but also responding to public unease.
“As a representative of the people, what Dasco did is good. He listened to the people who are currently anxious about the economy. Then that anxiety was not just left as a complaint, but was followed up by summoning parties who have authority in the economic field, such as the National Economic Council, the Ministry of Finance, and others,” said Hensa in a statement on Tuesday.
Hensa stated that the DPR leadership needs to be more active in capturing public aspirations and connecting them with policymakers in government. He assessed that what Dasco did could be an example for other DPR leaders to take the initiative to ask for explanations and push for clearer solutions.
“He seems to want to know what is actually happening, what the government’s explanation is, and what steps can be taken. I think that is good, because the people really need representatives who not only talk, but also move to find answers,” he said.
The founder of the KedaiKOPI Survey Institute said that Dasco’s move should be emulated by other DPR leaders, especially in responding to issues that directly affect people’s lives.
“This should be emulated by other DPR leaders. Listen first to what the people are feeling, then summon the relevant parties, find the root of the problem, and push for solutions. One of the DPR’s functions is indeed to ensure that government policies work for the people’s interests,” he explained.
Hensa said that a political response to public issues is not enough if only conveyed through statements, but must also be demonstrated through concrete oversight work.
“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 a panicked sense, but actively seeking solutions. Ultimately, the goal of politics is how to make the people more prosperous,” Hensa remarked.
He expressed hope that the DPR would be more active in carrying out its oversight function of government policies, especially those that directly impact public welfare.
“The important thing is not to stop at forums or meetings. 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 people,” he concluded.
Previously, Dasco and other DPR leaders gathered the National Economic Council, Bank Indonesia, the Ministry of Finance, and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to discuss economic growth and mitigation efforts. He said the coordination meeting with several economic-related institutions discussed solutions that need to be taken to anticipate recent events. Dasco noted that Minister Bahlil Lahadalia delivered good news regarding industrial gas prices, stating efforts had been made to lower them after a previous increase. Dasco assessed the price drop as positive news for both industry and labour unions, as workers had previously complained that high gas prices could potentially lead to mass layoffs.