Prabowo Explains Reasons for Economic Address in DPR Plenary Session

President Prabowo Subianto delivered a speech at the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) to present the macroeconomic framework and the main principles of fiscal policy (KEM-PPKF) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. Prabowo becomes the first president to present the KEM-PPKF directly to the DPR.

The President arrived at the MPR/DPR/DPD complex in Jakarta at around 09:30 Western Indonesian Time (WIB). He was greeted by DPR Speaker Puan Maharani and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who had arrived earlier.

During his speech in the DPR plenary, Prabowo explained why he attended in person to present the KEM-PPKF. He said his presence was his own initiative.

“I deliberately asked for time to stand before you all to present the government’s economic and fiscal policy directions directly myself,” said the General Chairman of the Gerindra Party.

According to Prabowo, the global economy is currently volatile. He highlighted conflicts in the Middle East that, although distant, nonetheless affect the national economy.

“Therefore, given the conditions we face, I am of the view that the President of the Republic of Indonesia must be present to convey directly the key points of our economy and state management,” the former defence minister said.

Mukhamad Misbakhun, Chairman of Commission XI of the DPR, said that normally the macroeconomic framework and the main policies of fiscal policy are delivered by the Minister of Finance on behalf of the President. “Today it is read directly by the President; that marks a new tradition,” he told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

Misbakhun explained that the delivery of the KEM-PPKF is the first round of discussions of the draft state budget for 2027. He said the Head of State would discuss a number of macro assumptions, including economic growth, inflation, the exchange rate of the rupiah, ICP for oil and gas production, the indicative budget ceilings for ministries and agencies, and government securities (SBN) with a 10-year tenor.

Rather than appearing at the plenary due to the rupiah’s depreciation, Misbakhun stated that Prabowo’s attendance is because the Head of State wants this economic framework to attract public attention. “Obviously the public will be waiting, and this will become a new tradition in constitutional practice,” he added.

Alfitria Nefi Pratiwi contributed to writing this article.