JK Delivers Policy Recommendations and Advice to Prabowo

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla has delivered policy recommendations on economics to diplomacy to President Prabowo Subianto. According to Kalla, the recommendation document was submitted to the presidential office on 25 March 2026. Kalla stated that these suggestions stem from his conversations with numerous academics, economists, former ambassadors, and professionals throughout the previous Ramadan. He stressed that no politicians or party members visited his private residence. This 10th and 12th Vice President noted that the figures who approached him did so of their own volition, without invitation. “With good intentions to provide policy advice to the President,” Kalla explained the meetings with these figures at his home on Jalan Brawijaya, Kebayoran Baru, on Sunday, 5 April 2026. Kalla elaborated that the recommendations cover the economic sector, diplomacy, regional government, and the general government system. He exemplified the recommendations for regional government issues. According to Kalla, regional budget efficiency policies obscure regional autonomy. Such policies also make it difficult for regions to work maximally. He highlighted that regional budgets during his administration were 30 per cent, but now only 17 per cent remains. “In the end, regions cannot do much. Roads are damaged and cannot be repaired due to budget cuts for needs like free meals, cooperatives, or defence equipment,” said Kalla. In addition, Kalla said, the experts also provided advice regarding the Prabowo administration’s communication approach. “How best the government should communicate to the public,” he stated. Kalla said that he and the experts have drawn conclusions and conveyed them to the President. The suggestions were compiled into a single document of about six pages. He emphasised that the meetings were open, without any specific political agenda. “So this is open and indeed intended to provide advice. Not intended to undermine, not at all. This is advice about the situation,” said Kalla. Furthermore, Kalla said he is ready to meet Prabowo directly to deliver these policy recommendations. However, he understands that the President has many commitments. “But if he has time, I am willing to attend and come to convey that,” said Kalla.