Book on 'Ideological Baton' from Sumitro to Prabowo Outlines Vision for Indonesia's Prosperity
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio (Hensa) has released a book titled ‘Estafet Ideologi Sumitro ke Prabowo’ (Ideological Relay from Sumitro to Prabowo), which highlights how the ideology of economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo is being translated today by his son, President Prabowo Subianto.
“This relay should not be interpreted as Sumitro handing a baton to Mr Prabowo; rather, I interpret this relay as Mr Prabowo taking the baton from Sumitro to continue his ideas for the prosperity of Indonesia,” said Hensa during the book launch held at Paramadina University, Jakarta, on Wednesday.
The founder of the KedaiKOPI Survey Institute stated that the book was written using a public communication approach. According to him, this approach can demonstrate the sequence of Sumitrol’s thoughts as they are implemented by Prabowo in a more fluid manner.
“I wrote this book to try to understand what Sumitro’s thoughts at that time look like when translated by Mr Prabowo today, how significant they are, and how massive the differences are,” he said.
The book launch was attended by several prominent figures, including the Indonesian Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono, the Chairman of Commission XI of the House of Representatives Mukhamad Misbakhun, and the Head of the Agency for the Acceleration of Poverty Eradication Budiman Sudjatmiko.
Several academics also attended as commentators, including economist and Chairman of the Paramadina Waqf Foundation Wijayanto Samirin, University of Indonesia economist Ninasapti Triaswati, and Paramadina University lecturer Wachid Ridwan.
Ferry Juliantono, during the launch, noted that few people currently dare to discuss ideology, as it rarely becomes a subject of public discourse.
“It is rare to find a book discussing ideology, so we must commend Mr Hendri Satrio for having the courage to discuss ideology, which I believe is seldom addressed in public discourse,” said Ferry.
Misbakhun, who opened the launch event, argued that Hensa’s work attempts to document Sumitro’s thoughts on people-oriented economics.
“This book is an attempt to document the ideological thoughts of Mr Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, the father of President Prabowo, which represent people-oriented economic thought, translating Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution and how that economy is operationalised,” said Misbakhun.
Meanwhile, Budiman Sudjatmiko interpreted the theme of ‘ideological relay’ as a fundamental principle for Prabowo Subianto regarding the importance of doing the right thing. He emphasised that this ideological guidance is crucial to ensure that every correct conviction is executed through the proper means.
“The theme of ideological relay is interesting because ideology is essentially about doing right things. The main point is how Mr Prabowo can be certain that what he is doing is right, so that such truth is also executed in the right way,” said Budiman.
University of Indonesia economist Ninasapti analysed the book and found that the continuity of this economic vision is implemented institutionally, with adjustments to strategic challenges and national security.
“Sumitro’s thoughts are then translated into ‘Asta Cita’, which is Prabowo’s Development Programme, but with an emphasis on the importance of strengthening the defence and security framework in accordance with the state foundation of Pancasila, democratic principles, and human rights,” Ninasapti stated in her presentation.
Paramadina University lecturer Wachid Rahman assessed that Hendri Satrio’s book successfully highlights the process of ideological construction occurring between economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo and Prabowo Subianto.
“This book is excellent in the context of how the ideology held by Mr Sumitro is transferred and constructed within Mr Prabowo. There is a very strong identity attached to Mr Sumitro, which is socialist, but I do not know how that is constructed within Mr Prabowo today; which identity it has become,” said Wachid.