Bamsoet Officially Inaugurated as Presidential Advisory Council Member, Bringing 20 Years of Parliamentary Experience

Bambang Soesymatyo (Bamsoet), a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Golkar Party, has been officially inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) at the State Palace, Jakarta. The appointment is based on Presidential Decree Number 107/P Year 2026 regarding the Appointment of the Membership of the Presidential Advisory Council.

Bamsoet joins a council of 25 national figures from various backgrounds, with Pratikno serving as Chairman and Hatta Rajasa as Vice Chairman. The appointment positions Bamsoet to provide advice and considerations to the President, leveraging his experience in legislative bodies, government, community organisations, the business world, and politics.

“I view the mandate as a member of Wantimpres as a continuation of my service in different institutions. During my nearly 20 years in parliament, I have learned that every state policy requires mature consideration, viewing issues from various angles, while simultaneously listening to the voice of the people. I will bring that experience to my duties as a member of Wantimpres,” Bamsoet stated in a release on Friday (2/10/2026).

His appointment follows his inauguration at the State Palace in Jakarta.

Bamsoet’s Political Track Record

Bamsoet’s appointment is closely linked to his track record as a parliamentary figure. He has held several strategic positions, including Chairman of Commission III of the DPR RI (Law, Human Rights, and Security) from 201s6-2018, the 20th Speaker of the DPR RI from 2018-2019, and Chairman of the MPR RI for the 2019-2024 period.

First elected to the DPR RI from the Central Java VII constituency in the 2009 General Election, Bamsoet has consistently earned the trust of the electorate in subsequent elections. This track record provides him with extensive experience in legislation, oversight, budgeting, and the dynamics of inter-institutional relations between state bodies.

“I see that my experience as Speaker of the DPR and Chairman of the MPR provides a comprehensive perspective on how government policies are translated into public policy, how community aspirations enter the political process, and how state institutions must build communication so that decisions can be implemented effectively. Therefore, I will strive to provide objective, data-driven considerations based on national interests,” said Bamsoet.

Within the Golkar Party, Bamsoet’s political journey has also been extensive. He previously served as the General Treasurer of the Golkar Party under the leadership of Aburizal Bakrie. Subsequently, he served as Vice Chairman of the Golkar Party under Airlangga Hartarto and was later reappointed as Vice Chairman under Bahlil Lahadalia. These roles exposed him to various internal party dynamics, political decision-making processes, regeneration, and the relationship between the party, the public, and state institutions.

“My experience in the Golkar Party taught me that politics must ultimately return to the interests of the people and the state. I have held various positions within the party under different leaderships. From there, I understood the importance of maintaining communication, respecting differing views, and finding common ground when political interests clash with national interests,” Bamser said.

With this inauguration, Bamsoet is the only currently active member of the DPR RI to be included in the new Wantimpres lineup. The 2026 Wantimpres composition reflects a diverse range of backgrounds, including religious figures, academics, retired military and police officers, entrepreneurs, former state officials, political figures, and professionals.

The 2026 council includes figures such as Pratikno, Hatta Rajasa, Quraish Shihab, Agum Gumelar, Budi Gunawan, Chairul Tanjung, Said Aqil Siradj, Yahya Cholil Staquf, Jusuf Wanandi, Jusuf Hamka, Tahir, Anwar Usman, and Ignasius Jonan, among others.

“The diversity of the Wantimpres members is a strength. There is experience from government, parliament, military, business, academia, religious leaders, and civil society. The challenge is how all that experience can be synthesised into constructive input for the President. Wantimpres must be able to provide clear views, including when a policy requires correction or refinement,” Bamsoet emphasised.

Bamsoet’s Achievements

Bamsoet’s parliamentary journey has also received state recognition. On 14 August 2024, President Joko Widodo awarded him the Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana for his service as Chairman of the MPR RI for the 2019-2024 period. The State Secretariat noted that the award was granted based on Presidential Decrees Number 105/TK/TH 2024 and 108/TK/TH 2024.

“The Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana is both an honour and a responsibility. I accept it as a state recognition of the institutional work carried out alongside all leaders and members of the MPR RI. I dedicate this award to the MPR family and all parties who have worked together to uphold the constitution,” expressed Bamsoet.

Previously, in 2020, Bamsoet also received the Bintang Jasa Utama from President Joko Widodo. The State Secretariat recorded Bambang Soesatyo as one of the recipients of the Bintang Jasa Utama during the 2020 honours ceremony, based on Presidential Decree Number 52/TK/Year 2020, in recognition of his service as Speaker of the DPR RI for the 2018-2019 period.