Hendropriyono on Reordering Reform: Who Is Capable of Doing It?
Former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief AM Hendropriyono has spoken about reorganising reform. He believes the discourse is closely linked to the decisions of political parties in Indonesia.
Hendro made the remarks while discussing the book ‘Menata Ulang Reformasi’ (Reorganising Reform) by Kiki Syahnakri. According to Hendro, the idea of reorganising reform today is no longer just about what needs to be reorganised, but about who is capable of realising the discourse.
“For me, the most important issue now is no longer just what needs to be reorganised, but who is capable of doing it, through what mechanism, and how the political will for it can be generated,” read Hendro’s written statement, quoted on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
Hendro explained that several things must be fulfilled to realise the discourse of reorganising reform. First, regarding the decision-making process within political parties.
“Because ultimately, many great ideas about improving the state must pass through political decisions,” said Hendro.
He said that if political parties do not merely focus on seeking and maintaining power, ideas for improving national life can be achieved easily. Hendro is confident that the discourse of reorganising reform, if taken seriously by political parties, will not end up as merely an intellectual idea.
Hendro also touched on the rapidly changing global situation. The world, he said, is facing great power rivalry, technological change, economic disruption, and geopolitical shifts.
“Should reform still be corrected solely through the political mechanisms currently in place, or are other methods, strategies, and even institutional breakthroughs needed — which of course remain constitutional — so that the idea of reorganising reform can truly be realised?” said Hendro.
Furthermore, Hendro said the greatest challenge of an idea is not only the correctness of its thinking, but its ability to transform from thought into political will. From political will into policy, and from policy into a reality felt by the people.