MPR Speaker: Unity is the nation's main strength
Political differences will not divide national brotherhood.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani has affirmed that unity is the nation’s main strength in facing various challenges and safeguarding the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Political differences will not divide national brotherhood,” Muzani said in his opening address at the 2026 Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD at the Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, Friday.
According to Muzani, the moment of independence is not merely a constitutional ceremony, but an opportunity to reaffirm the national commitment to preserving Indonesia as a shared home.
He said Indonesia was born from the willingness of various groups to set aside group interests for a greater ideal.
However, those debates did not end in division because the nation’s founders were willing to seek common ground until the Republic of Indonesia was born.
Muzani assessed that Indonesia has been able to endure not solely because of its natural wealth or international support, but also 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 by mutual suspicion and mutual negation. But if our unity is solid, we can turn differences into a source of energy and progress,” he said.
He stressed that unity must be nurtured every day through justice, exemplary leadership, dialogue, and mutual trust.
Muzani emphasised Pancasila as the greatest common ground of the Indonesian nation. According to him, Pancasila was born from historical experience, culture, religion, and wisdom living within society, and was formulated through a process of debate.
He said Pancasila has been tested by various national problems, from political upheaval, ideological conflict, economic crisis, communal violence, threats of separatism, terrorism, to the pandemic.
Therefore, the values of Pancasila must be realised in real life, including through law enforcement, eradication of corruption, management of national wealth, and the ability to maintain unity amidst differences.
“Democracy will not become stronger because we denounce each other more harshly. Democracy will become strong if freedom of speech is accompanied by responsibility,” he said.
However, he reminded that the digital space can also become a means for the rapid spread of hatred, slander, manipulation, and false news.
Therefore, according to him, the political culture that is built must be more civilised. Differences of opinion can be expressed forcefully in ideas, but remain courteous in delivery.
In his speech, Muzani also highlighted a number of national development agendas, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives and Merah Putih Sub-district Cooperatives, People’s Schools, and Garuda Excellent Schools.
According to him, MBG is not merely the distribution of food, but part of the effort to educate the nation and build a healthy and quality Indonesian people towards the Golden Generation 2045.
Meeting the nutritional needs of children, pregnant women, and community groups in need is considered a long-term investment. Nevertheless, its implementation must be well-targeted with good and accountable governance.
“Do not let the Red and White Flag only fly at the top of the pole. Bring to life the spirit of courage in defending the truth,” said Muzani.
The speech was closed with the call: “Long live the 81st Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. United, sovereign, just, and prosperous. Once independent, always independent.”
Before concluding the session, Muzani also delivered three pantun affirming optimism about Indonesia’s future, support for policies that favour the people, and an appeal to maintain unity and not vilify one another.