Head of DPR Commission XI States There Are No Dead Ends in Politics
Mukhamad Misbakhun, Head of Commission XI of the House of Representatives, has stated that the world of politics does not recognise the concept of a “dead end”. He contends that there will always be choices offering the greatest benefits and the least harm.
Misbakhun made these remarks during an event titled “Inspirasi Bulan Suci” (Sacred Month Inspiration) organised by detikcom on Thursday, 26 February 2026. He said that politics provides a number of alternatives when formulating policy decisions.
“In politics, there is no such thing as a dead end,” Misbakhun told detikcom.
The Golkar politician described the dilemmas that often arise when making decisions on policy matters. However, he expressed confidence that politics offers alternative policy choices that benefit the people most whilst causing the least harm.
“Politics then provides alternative policy choices—which is best, which brings the most benefit, which causes the least harm. Dilemmas are frequent, very frequent indeed. A simple example is fertiliser subsidy,” he said.
He cited the shift in the fertiliser subsidy scheme from a cost-plus margin model to a market-based mechanism (upstream subsidy). He noted that the cost-plus approach continuously increased the state’s burden.
“With market pricing, the state actually saves money. Previously, whatever price was set by the subsidy operator, the state would pay that price plus profit. Now, with the market mechanism, what does that mean? They must operate efficiently. The state can actually save money. How much is the saving? Around 20 per cent,” he explained.
He also referenced President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to reduce the highest retail price (HET) of subsidised fertiliser by 20 per cent for farmers. According to Misbakhun, this HET discount policy benefits farmers.
“In fact, it is a remarkable decision by the President—that 20 per cent is not kept by the state, but is given as a discount to farmers. That is a political choice,” he added.