Forum of MPR-DPR and Defence Coordination Minister Discuss Political Stability of the Republic of Indonesia

A National Forum of MPR and DPR Leaders from 1999-2024 discussed national political and economic stability during a meeting with Defence Coordination Minister (Menkopolkam) General (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago.

DPR member Bambang Soesatyo, who initiated the forum, stated in remarks received in Jakarta on Monday that the meeting also addressed global geopolitical situations and government communication channels with the public.

“The nation currently requires the thinking of national figures. Threats from within and outside the country must be anticipated with clear perspectives from those who have led state institutions,” said Bamsoet, his informal name.

According to him, the discussion on Sunday evening (15 March) was heated and critical because the figures present had previously been at the centre of state decision-making during different periods since the reform era.

This experience, he said, meant that the perspectives emerging from the discussion were not merely a reflection of the past, but also offered solutions to various problems facing Indonesia at present.

“One of our tasks is to help calm the public so they do not become trapped in excessive worry,” said the former MPR Chair (2019-2024) and DPR Chair (2017-2019).

MPR and DPR leaders who attended included Bamsoet, Sufmi Dasco, Anis Matta, Fahri Hamzah, Ahmad Basarah, Agung Laksono, Sidarto Danusubroto, Marzuki Alie, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Melani Leimena Suharli, Ahmad Farhan Hamid, Agus Hermanto, Priyo Budi Santoso, Setya Novanto, Hajriyanto Y. Thohari, and Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah.

Also present were Defence Coordination Minister General (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago, Deputy I for Domestic Political Coordination Major General (Ret.) Heri Wiranto, and DPR member Robert Kardinal.

Increasingly complex global political dynamics

The figures present highlighted that current global dynamics are increasingly complex. Geopolitical competition between major world powers such as the United States, Russia, and China is reshaping the Indo-Pacific power map, which has direct implications for Indonesia.

At the same time, national fiscal conditions are facing pressure due to increased government spending needs, ranging from national development programmes to modernisation of major weapons systems.

Data from the Ministry of Finance shows that in recent years the state budget deficit has continued to hover near the safe threshold of 3 per cent of gross domestic product, so careful fiscal management is extremely important.

“Going forward, the government should consider raising the budget deficit limit above 3 per cent of domestic income so that fiscal space becomes more flexible in facing an increasingly pressing economic situation affecting the state budget. Cooperation between state institutions is also very much needed so that various public problems can be resolved quickly and in a coordinated manner,” said Setya Novanto.

Democracy and electoral systems

Democracy and electoral systems were also important issues at the meeting. Participants believed that public confidence in the democratic process must be strengthened through refinement of electoral regulations and improved quality of political representation in parliament.

Based on data from the electoral commission, voter participation in the 2024 general election reached approximately 81 per cent, demonstrating high public enthusiasm. However, various public criticisms of the mechanisms for channelling political aspirations show the need to improve the system so that democracy becomes more substantive.

“Many people feel their aspirations have not been optimally explored in the current electoral system. Therefore, electoral regulations need to be discussed again seriously, both for elections at the central and regional levels,” said Agung Laksono.

Government communication

Beyond electoral political issues, the forum also highlighted the importance of government public communication amid a national situation considered increasingly complex. The figures believed that the public requires clear, consistent, and easily understood explanations regarding various state policies.

Without effective communication, according to the forum, government policies that are actually good are often misunderstood and trigger public anxiety.

“The state is currently facing many challenges. Therefore, the public needs to be reassured with good communication. The government needs a figure capable of bridging state policy with public understanding,” said Marzuki Alie.

Need for a credible spokesperson

Forum participants also proposed that the government enhance the effectiveness of the presidential spokesperson’s function. Amid the torrent of digital information and global political dynamics, the public is said to need an official information source capable of providing explanations quickly, measurably, and reassuringly.

“The government needs a spokesperson who is strong, credible, and able to explain policies clearly to the public. Amid the deluge of information and various speculations developing, the presence of a government spokesperson is very important to provide measured, complete explanations that do not trigger speculation in the public sphere,” said Melani Leimena Suharli.

National stability

Also highlighted was the increasingly strong influence of global geopolitical dynamics on national economic stability. Tensions in various regions, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, affect energy supply chains, international trade flows, and global investment movements.

This situation is seen as requiring developing countries, including Indonesia, to be more adaptive in formulating economic and diplomatic strategies to maintain fiscal stability, strengthen energy resilience, and preserve investment attractiveness amid increasing global uncertainty.

Global geopolitics is an important premise that determines the course of current governance. Conflicts in various regions can influence economic stability and require strategic national responses to protect Indonesia’s interests and prosperity.