As Wantimpres Member, Rocky Gerung Asserts His Stance Remains Unchanged: Still a 'Radical Break'
Jakarta, VIVA – Rocky Gerung has officially become a member of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres), following his inauguration by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Friday, 2 October 2026. Gerung’s presence in the Wantimpres ranks has drawn significant attention due to his long-standing reputation for actively delivering critiques and perspectives on various government policies.
Following his appointment, Gerung explained that his role within the institution is not merely to criticise the President. He stated that he, along with other members of Wantimpres, holds the function of providing critiques, suggestions, and bringing various perceptions regarding policies to the President.
Rocky Asserts Not Merely Criticising
Rocky explained that the Presidential Advisory Council holds an ethical position to observe various policies implemented by the government while providing considerations regarding the direction of such policies.
According to him, this function is a normative part of the existence of Wantimpes. Council members are required to be able to view situations more broadly, including monitoring political developments and maintaining a distance from specific concrete events.
“A special message was given by the President that the advisory council holds an ethical position; the ability to observe policies and provide considerations regarding their direction is a normative function of the council,” said Rocky.
He noted that the ability to engage in contemplation and evaluation is necessary in performing these duties. Furthermore, according to Rocky, members of Wantimpres need to possess the ability to envision the future of the Republic of Indonesia when providing advice to the President.
Thus, the role of Wantimpres, according to Rocky, does not stop at expressing opinions on existing policies. Members are also required to read the situation and provide considerations regarding the future direction of policy.
Public Perception Will Be Brought to the President
Rocky also highlighted the importance of reading public perception regarding power and government policy. He argued that because the duties of Wantimpres relate to the public interest, the expertise of each member is required to process these various perceptions.
“Because this is a public matter, expertise is required, and most importantly, to show what is wrong in the public perception of power and how it can be processed into something positive for the nation,” said Rocky.
He explained that one of the functions to be carried out is processing the perceptions developing within society. This is necessary because public perception of a policy is not always identical to the President’s perception.