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

The MPR Annual Session is considered to hold profound strategic meaning for the sustainability and achievement of various national development targets. This forum is not merely a routine agenda, but an important instrument for maintaining the direction of national policy. “The MPR Annual Session is not just an annual ceremonial event, but a benchmark for development continuity and a space for public accountability,” said MPR Deputy Speaker Lestari Moerdijat in a written statement on Friday (14/8). Lestari, familiarly known as Rerie, affirmed that this forum is the epicentre of national thought. Its purpose is to ensure that national development can reach all regions of Indonesia equitably and remain aligned with the interests of the wider population. As a member of House of Representatives Commission X, Rerie added that the indicator of national development success must be seen in its ability to answer the needs of the community. She emphasised that government policies must have a direct impact on improving 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 industrial downstreaming. All of this must culminate in improving the people’s welfare,” Rerie explained. The NasDem Party politician also highlighted the importance of equitable development so that it is not solely concentrated on the island of Java. According to her, aspirations from various regions must become the mainstream in national-level policymaking. Given Indonesia’s vast geographical landscape with highly diverse economic bases, Rerie argued that a uniform development approach cannot be applied. Each region has unique characteristics requiring 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 all elements of the nation in advancing the development agenda. The main focus going forward is to shift Indonesia’s position from merely a supplier of raw materials to 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 central and regional levels,” she concluded.