MPR Speaker: Unity is the nation's main strength

People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani has asserted that unity is the nation’s main strength in confronting various challenges and maintaining the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. “Political differences will not fracture national brotherhood,” Muzani said in his opening address at the 2026 MPR Annual Session and Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD) at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Friday. He stated that the momentum of independence is not merely a constitutional ceremony, but an opportunity to reaffirm the national commitment to safeguarding Indonesia as a shared home. Indonesia, he said, was born from the willingness of various groups to set aside their own interests for a greater ideal. Debates did not lead to division because the nation’s founders were willing to find common ground, ultimately giving birth to the Republic of Indonesia. Muzani assessed that Indonesia has endured not solely because of its natural wealth or international support, but also because of the strength of a united people. “Unity is what causes progress. If unity weakens, this nation’s energy will be spent on mutual suspicion and negation. But if our unity is strong, we can transform differences into a source of energy and progress,” he said. He stressed that unity must be nurtured every day through justice, exemplary conduct, dialogue, and mutual trust. Muzani emphasised Pancasila as the nation’s greatest common ground. According to him, Pancasila was born from historical experience, culture, religion, and living wisdom within society, and was formulated through a process of debate. He noted that Pancasila has been tested by various national problems, from political upheaval, ideological conflict, economic crisis, communal violence, the threat of separatism, terrorism, to the pandemic. Therefore, the values of Pancasila must be realised in real life, including through law enforcement, eradicating corruption, managing national wealth, and the ability to maintain unity amidst differences. “Democracy will not become stronger because we criticise more harshly. Democracy will be strong if freedom of speech is accompanied by responsibility,” he said. However, he also cautioned that the digital space can become a means for the rapid spread of hatred, slander, manipulation, and false news. Because of this, he said, the political culture being built must be more civilised. Differences of opinion can be expressed with strong ideas, but delivered with courtesy. In his speech, Muzani also highlighted a number of national development agendas, including the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives and Merah Putih Sub-district Cooperatives, Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools), and Sekolah Unggul Garuda (Garuda Superior Schools). According to him, the MBG programme is not merely about distributing food, but is part of an effort to enhance the nation’s intellectual life and build a healthy and high-quality Indonesian populace towards the 2045 Golden Generation. Fulfilling nutrition for children, pregnant women, and communities in need is considered a long-term investment. However, 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 to defend the truth,” Muzani said. The speech concluded with the call: “Long live the 81st Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. United, sovereign, just, and prosperous. Once independent, forever independent.”