Marathon Meeting of Prabowo with Dudung and Luhut at the State Palace

President Prabowo Subianto summoned National Defence Special Advisor Dudung Abdurahman and National Economic Council (DEN) Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan to the Merdeka Palace on Tuesday (21/4). Upon arriving at the palace, Dudung admitted he did not yet know the exact agenda for the meeting. However, as the president’s advisor, he said he is often asked for views on various issues. “As the President’s Advisor, there are likely matters on which he seeks advice and input. He usually likes to ask for advice and input from us as advisors,” he said. Dudung hinted that the discussion in the meeting might cover strategic issues, both in the national and international spheres. He also did not rule out discussions related to global geopolitical dynamics. On that occasion, Dudung also responded to several issues that have recently attracted attention, including the blanket overflight concept and defence cooperation with the United States (US). He assessed that Prabowo has a broader understanding of those issues and will discuss them directly in the meeting. In addition, he emphasised that violations of airspace without permission are not allowed under international law. Besides Dudung, Prabowo also held a closed meeting with Luhut. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the meeting discussed the national economic situation as well as developments in the global situation. Teddy said the domestic economic condition is still considered quite stable, although the government continues to increase vigilance against the impacts of global uncertainties. “National economic activity is still very well maintained, but vigilance is still needed. The government is preparing anticipatory steps to respond to the impacts of global conflicts while maintaining growth momentum,” said Teddy. In the meeting, Luhut also presented several policy scenarios to maintain public purchasing power while ensuring the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) remains controlled, including through strengthening government digitalisation. “The National Economic Council Chairman conveyed several policy scenarios to maintain public purchasing power and ensure the APBN remains under control, including through strengthening government digitalisation (govtech),” he said. In addition, the discussion also covered the implementation of digitalisation of social assistance, which is currently being trialled in several regions. The government is encouraging the distribution of assistance to be more on target. “Digitalisation of social assistance is currently being trialled in Banyuwangi and will be expanded to 42 regencies/cities. This step is expected to increase transparency and the accuracy of social assistance distribution,” he stated. Not only that, the meeting also touched on Indonesia’s opportunities in utilising the global situation to attract investment, including from the Middle East region. “Along with global dynamics, the government also sees opportunities to attract capital flows, especially from the Middle East, through accelerating the establishment of the Indonesia Financial Center to strengthen national investment appeal,” said Teddy.