Bamsoet Urges Strengthening Unity and Anticipating the Economic Impact of the Iran–Israel War
Member of the Indonesian DPR and the 15th Speaker of the MPR, Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), regards the tradition of fostering friendship and breaking the fast together during Ramadan as a strategic means to strengthen national unity. He emphasised that social polarization, digital fragmentation, and global pressures make Ramadan an important moment to weave together the nation.
The Golkar Party’s deputy general chairman said the meeting spaces during Ramadan can foster a warm and egalitarian atmosphere among the elements of the nation. He argued this condition should be used to strengthen unity amid a range of challenges.
Bamsoet highlighted the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, including the Iran–Israel war supported by the United States, which he said could trigger higher fuel prices in Indonesia, add to the burden on the state budget (APBN), and disrupt the national economy.
Therefore, he urged the public not to be provoked by provocations that exploit the situation to attack the dignity of President Prabowo Subianto.
Bamsoet emphasised that Ramadan teaches self-control, empathy, and solidarity that are relevant for national life. He sees breaking the fast together as a cross-background, cross-profession, and cross-political-views meeting space in a warm and equal atmosphere.
“We, as a nation, must unite and work shoulder to shoulder in facing threats and disturbances, both from within and from abroad,” Bamsoet said in a statement on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
He delivered this message while holding a breaking-the-fast gathering across organizations and communities at Rumah Pergerakan Patiunus in Jakarta, on Monday night (2 March).
Bamsoet also touched on Indonesia’s social distinctiveness as a country with the world’s largest Muslim population. He cited data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) indicating that Indonesia’s population exceeded 284 million in 2025, with the majority observing Ramadan.
He noted that this situation generates a large collective social effect, ranging from religious activities and social initiatives to a growth in MSME-based economic activity during the fasting month.
“If this togetherness is managed with a clear nationalist vision, Ramadan can be a meeting point between spirituality and social responsibility. From the breaking-the-fast gatherings, ideas, collaborations, and commitments to safeguarding the integrity of NKRI can emerge,” Bamsoet said.
He added that national consolidation during Ramadan should be directed toward more substantive agendas. Bamsoet urged that breaking-fast activities be filled with productive dialogue on empowering people’s economy, strengthening tolerance, and digital literacy so that society is more resilient to provocative divisive acts.
“National unity must be nurtured every day. Ramadan gives us space for reflection and action at the same time. If this energy of togetherness is safeguarded, Indonesia will be stronger in facing global challenges and various internal dynamics,” he concluded.
The event was attended by a number of figures and organization representatives, including former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sharif Cicip Sutardjo, Wisnu Suhardono, former deputy chairman of Gerindra and Pelindo commissioner Arief Poyuono, PPP politician Darwis, and retired Police General Nanan Soekarna.
Also present were representatives from various communities and organizations such as HIPAKAD, FKPPI, Pemuda Pancasila, Kelompok Cipayung Plus, HIPMI, IMI, and Kadin Indonesia.