Bamsoet Praises Prabowo's Leadership: A Leader Embraces, Not Strikes

Jakarta — Member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Bambang Soesatyo launched a book entitled ‘Prabowo: Common Sense Politics Without a Stage’ during a public discussion at Parle Resto, Senayan Park, Jakarta, yesterday. The book, written by journalist Joseph Osdar, presents a portrayal of political practice that operates quietly, without a stage, without sensation, and without the need to display conflict.

“This book records how politics truly works. Not always in front of the camera, not always on the grand stage, and not always through strident or populist statements. Common sense politics often emerges in quiet spaces, in decisions that are unpopular yet important for the nation,” said Bamsoet in his statement on Monday (16/2/2026).

The Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party explained that one of the book’s key messages is the importance of maturity in managing differences. In a democracy, divergent views and interests are inevitable. However, the quality of democracy is determined by how elites manage those differences.

“We can see President Prabowo’s ability to embrace and bridge differences for the sake of the nation’s interests. Who does not know, for example, Tom Lembong and Hasto, who were on opposing sides during the presidential election? Yet we were suddenly struck by a decision — Tom Lembong was granted abolition, Hasto was granted amnesty. That is what we wish to illustrate,” Bamsoet explained.

Bamsoet expressed hope that the book launch would enrich public discourse on healthy, rational political practice oriented towards the national interest. The book is also expected to serve as a marker that Indonesian democracy possesses an alternative narrative beyond stage politics and commotion.

“Because in essence, a leader embraces, not strikes. Cherishes, not competes. Educates, not targets. Nurtures, not insults. Seeks solutions, not sympathy. And defends, not disparages,” Bamsoet affirmed.

In the book, Osdar positions Bamsoet as the primary source. Osdar presents Prabowo and Bamsoet as examples of rational political practice amid a political culture that is often emotional and reactive. He revealed that common sense politics, as depicted in the book, is politics that understands when to speak and when to work — including understanding that differences of views and interests in democracy are inevitable.

“Democracy will not be damaged by differences, but it can be damaged by the inability to manage differences. Politics without a stage is politics that is not preoccupied with widening gaps, but strives to bridge interests for national stability so that investment grows and business develops,” Osdar stressed.

The book also highlights how political relations built on mutual respect for institutional roles can create long-term political stability. According to Osdar, healthy political relationships need not always be expressed through formal coalitions or demonstrative public statements.

“What matters most in politics is clarity of purpose and national commitment. When national objectives become common ground, personal egos and short-term interests must be set aside,” Osdar said.

Similarly, political commentator Rocky Gerung emphasised that politics must not be measured solely by electability, but must be grounded in ethics and morality. He assessed that Prabowo possesses a sense of chivalry reflected in his political attitudes and decisions, including during the crucial moment of the 2019 Indonesian Presidential Election.

“At that time, Pak Prabowo asked for input on what to convey during the debate. I suggested he bring the book The Great Disruption by Francis Fukuyama and ask Pak Joko Widodo which part he found interesting. That was to test the depth of leadership literacy,” Rocky revealed.

Rocky considered the strategy to have significant electoral potential. However, he observed that Prabowo chose a different path by not employing an approach that could humiliate his opponent on the debate stage.

“He refused because he did not want to insult President Jokowi on stage. That is where I saw ethics and morality being prioritised. For him, politics is not merely about winning, but also about preserving dignity,” Rocky concluded.

The book launch was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Deputy Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) Tamsil Linrung, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Meutia Hafid, Indonesian Ambassador to Italy Junimart Girsang, Head of the Development Control and Special Investigation Agency Aris Marsudiyanto, and Commission III DPR RI member from the PKS faction Habib Aboe Bakar Alhabsy.

Also in attendance were former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Prof. Jimly Asshiddiqie, former Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo, Pertamina Commissioner Iwan Bule, Pertamina Director Simon Aloisius Mantiri, businessman Jerry Hermawan Lo, FKPPI Chairman Pontjo Sutowo, former National Police Chief General (Ret.) Sutarman, former DPR Speaker Setya Novanto, Deputy Chairman of the KADIN Indonesia Advisory Board Didik J. Rachbini, PAN figure Soetrisno Bahir, Rocky Gerung, and Akbar Faisal.