Puan: DPR and the People Are Not Opposing Sides

House Speaker Puan Maharani has stressed that the DPR and the people should not be positioned as two opposing or conflicting parties in democratic life.

“The DPR RI and the people should not be positioned as two opposing parties, let alone pitted against each other,” Puan said in a speech at the Plenary Session Opening the First Sitting Period of the 2026-2027 Session Year in Jakarta on Friday.

According to Puan, as a people’s representative institution, the DPR is obliged to continue to draw closer to the public through openness, willingness to listen, communication, and tangible work whose benefits can be felt.

The statement was made in the context of the increasingly expansive digital space as a means for the public to obtain information, convey aspirations, and provide criticism.

In the context of the DPR RI, Puan noted that there is various false information, including fake quotes attributed to DPR leaders or members, incorrect information regarding the DPR’s stance in deliberating draft laws, and the use of old videos with new narratives that are out of context.

“Therefore, maintaining a healthy digital space requires the role and maturity of all parties,” she said.

Puan stressed that criticism, aspirations, and public oversight are an important part of democracy that must be respected.

“At the same time, incorrect information needs to be corrected quickly, openly, and based on facts,” she said.

The public is expected to be increasingly careful in receiving and disseminating information. Meanwhile, the DPR and state institutions need to strengthen transparency, improve communication, respond to criticism openly, and enhance the quality of services and performance.

The DPR RI held the 1st Plenary Session Opening the First Sitting Period of the 2026-2027 Session Year with the agenda of opening the deliberation of the Draft State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (RAPBN) for the 2027 Fiscal Year.

At the plenary session, President Prabowo Subianto delivered the government’s introductory statement on the Bill on the State Budget for the 2027 Fiscal Year along with the Financial Note and supporting documents.