MPR Annual Session a Benchmark for Development Continuity, Says Lestari Moerdijat

The MPR RI Annual Session is considered to hold deep strategic meaning for the continuity and achievement of the nation’s various development targets. This forum is not merely a routine agenda, but an important instrument in maintaining the direction of national policy.

“The MPR RI Annual Session is not just an annual ceremony, but a benchmark for development continuity and a space for public accountability,” said Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI Lestari Moerdijat in a written statement on Friday (14/8).

Lestari, who is familiarly called Rerie, stressed that this forum is the epicentre of national thought. Its aim is to ensure that national development can reach all regions of Indonesia evenly and remain aligned with the interests of the wider public.

As a member of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Rerie added that indicators of national development success must be measured by the ability to answer the needs of society. She emphasised that policies adopted by the government must have a direct impact on citizens’ quality of life.

“The state address and the Financial Note must reflect the government’s commitment to addressing inequality, strengthening food and energy security, and promoting downstream industrialisation. All of this must lead to improving people’s welfare,” Rerie explained.

The NasDem Party politician also highlighted the importance of equitable development so that it is not concentrated solely on the island of Java. According to her, aspirations from various regions must become the mainstream in policy-making at the national level.

Given Indonesia’s vast geographical expanse with highly diverse economic bases, Rerie argued that the development approach must not be uniform. Each region has unique characteristics that require different handling.

“Indonesia has a diverse geographical landscape and economic base. Therefore, the development approach cannot be uniform from one region to another,” she said.

Through the momentum of this Annual Session, Rerie expressed hope for stronger synergy among elements of the nation in carrying out the development agenda. The main focus going forward is to transform Indonesia’s position from merely a raw material supplier into a producer with high added value.

“We want Indonesia not only to be a source of raw materials and a market, but to become a producer and creator of added value. The national interest must be the compass, and that can only be realised if there is good orchestration between the centre and the regions,” she concluded.