MPR Speaker Calls for Unity as Main Strength to Face Challenges

People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani has called for the importance of maintaining unity as the nation’s main strength in facing various challenges. He stressed that the momentum of independence is not merely a constitutional ceremony, but an opportunity to reaffirm the national pledge to safeguard the Republic of Indonesia as a shared home. He made the remarks during his speech at the 2026 MPR Annual Session, the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), and the State Address of the President of Indonesia in commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence at the Plenary Meeting Room, Nusantara Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta. “Political differences will not divide our national brotherhood,” said Ahmad Muzani on Friday (14/8/2026). According to him, Indonesia was born from the willingness of various groups to set aside group interests for a greater ideal. The nation’s founders even engaged in debates regarding the state ideology, form of government, state territory, and the relationship between religion and the state. However, these debates did not lead to division. Instead, it was from magnanimity and the willingness to find common ground that the Republic of Indonesia was born. Indonesia, he continued, has been able to survive not solely because of its natural wealth or international support, but because of the strength of a united people. “It is unity that causes progress to occur. If unity weakens, this nation’s energy will be exhausted on mutual suspicion and mutual negation. But if our unity is solid, we can transform differences into a source of energy and progress,” he explained. Furthermore, Ahmad Muzani asserted that unity must be nurtured day by day through justice, exemplary conduct, dialogue, and mutual trust. Therefore, safeguarding unity means safeguarding justice. Criticism must not be used to tear apart unity. Conversely, unity must also not be used to suppress differences of opinion. He also reaffirmed the position of Pancasila as the greatest common ground for the Indonesian nation. Pancasila, he said, was born from historical experience, culture, religion, and wisdom living within society, and was formulated through debate and contemplation to find a path acceptable to all groups. Pancasila, according to him, has been tested repeatedly by various national issues, ranging from political upheavals, ideological conflicts, economic crises, communal violence, threats of separatism, and terrorism to pandemics. Therefore, the values of Pancasila must be realised in real life, including through law enforcement, corruption eradication, management of national wealth, and the nation’s ability to maintain unity amidst differences. “Democracy will not become stronger because we are increasingly harsh in our criticism. Democracy will become strong if freedom of speech is accompanied by responsibility,” he said. He reminded that the development of digital technology has expanded the democratic space. The public now finds it easier to express opinions, obtain information, and engage in public debate. However, the digital space also has another side, as it can become a means for the rapid spread of hatred, slander, manipulation, and false news. For this reason, the political culture being built must be more civilised. Differences of opinion may be conveyed forcefully in ideas, but must remain polite in delivery. In his speech, the MPR Speaker highlighted several national development agendas, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives and Merah Putih Sub-district Cooperatives, the People’s Schools, and the Garuda Superior Schools. The MBG programme is seen not merely as food distribution, but as part of the effort to educate the nation and build a healthy and quality Indonesian populace towards the 2045 Golden Generation. Meeting the nutritional needs of children, pregnant women, and community groups in need is described as a long-term investment. However, its implementation must be carried out with precise targeting, good governance, and accountability. Concluding his speech, MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani invited all citizens to make the independence commemoration a momentum to strengthen national resolve to realise an Indonesia that is ‘baldatun thayyibatun wa rabbun ghafur’ (a good land under the forgiveness of God). “Do not let the Red and White flag merely flutter at the top of the pole. Enliven the spirit of courage in defending the truth,” he concluded. The speech then ended with the call: “Long live the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. United, sovereign, just, and prosperous. Once independent, forever independent.”