DPR Member Speaks Out: Discussions in Commission I Feel Closed Off, Defence and Foreign Ministers Rarely Attend Meetings

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - TB Hasanuddin, a member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), admitted that access to discussions between his commission and the government feels closed off, due to the minimal attendance of the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Foreign Affairs at meetings with the DPR.

“To be honest, we in Commission I feel closed off for discussions. The Defence Minister almost never comes, the Foreign Minister doesn’t either. Even if the Defence Minister attends, it’s usually represented by a deputy,” said Hasanuddin at a seminar commemorating the Asia-Africa Conference on Saturday (18/4/2026).

Hasanuddin admitted he wants to discuss directly with the relevant ministers to test their experience and the implementation of policies in the field.

“In my opinion, that’s not satisfactory. I want to speak directly, head-to-head with them to test their experience and application in the field for the good of the country. But if the opportunity isn’t there, well, that’s it, farewell,” explained Hasanuddin.

He assessed that the government must be more astute in utilising situations of conflict between countries without appearing to side with one party.

“We shouldn’t give the impression of being pro to one country, but rather utilise their dispute situation, whether taking advantage of Iran or America,” he said.

“Once we make a wrong step, a wrong prediction, or a mistake in processing intelligence by the TNI, the subsequent steps will continue to be wrong,” he stated.

Hasanuddin also criticised efforts to enforce global security through membership in the Board of Peace (BOP), which he deemed does not involve all relevant parties.

“If it’s said to want to enforce security but Palestine is not involved and it’s one-sided towards Israel, how can it be fair? This violates the basic principles of the UN Security Council,” he said.

Hasanuddin emphasised that sovereignty issues, such as granting access to airspace, must go through DPR approval.

“The problem is, until now the government has not explained transparently to the DPR; we only get information from seminars or social media, which could even be hoaxes,” he said.

He stressed that the DPR has the authority to approve international agreements concerning the state’s sovereignty, including those related to airspace and defence.

“Because this concerns sovereignty, this is our right to speak,” concluded Hasanuddin.