Government Urged to Build Inclusive Dialogue Mechanism with the Public

Jakarta – Legal practitioner Firman Tendry has asserted that the government needs to build a more inclusive and responsive dialogue mechanism with the public, rather than merely reacting after demonstrations swell. He stated that transparency in budgeting for priority programmes and openness to public evaluation are the minimum steps expected. “The absence of a swift and measured response risks turning peaceful actions into broader social tensions that are more difficult to control,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. He also highlighted recent public protests, arguing that the expression of opinion is a democratic act that the government should follow up on. The government’s response was deemed slow and unstrategic, reflecting an inability to read the increasingly heated national political dynamics. “President Prabowo has been too slow and not astute in political management, which is why the national situation is becoming more complicated and the public has not felt any change in the first two years of his administration,” he said. According to him, the government’s failure to communicate policies and alleviate public anxiety has worsened the crisis of trust. “This wave of protests is not merely a momentary expression of dissatisfaction. It reflects a structural public trust deficit towards state institutions. For policymakers at both local and national levels, these actions are a strong signal that policy communication needs fundamental improvement,” Tendry added. Previously, the Government Communication Agency (Bakom RI) dismissed allegations that the government was behind demonstrations supporting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Acting Deputy for Partnership and Media Relations at Bakom RI, Kurnia Ramadhana, stated that the government always listens to and respects the voice of the people, including those who agree or disagree with the MBG programme.