Researcher: President embraces national figures during Eid to maintain political stability

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Senior researcher from the Political Research Centre of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Lili Romli, assesses that President Prabowo Subianto’s approach of embracing national figures during the open house at the Presidential Palace can maintain political stability.

“Of course, the open dialogue helps maintain a conducive situation for political stability and security,” she said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Lili stated that this step must not stop at the open house event held on Saturday (21/3) and should be continuously carried out to construct understanding among fellow citizens through two-way dialogue.

“Inviting various groups is a positive step and must be continued to enable two-way dialogue, thereby building understanding among fellow citizens who all want this nation not only to be safe, but also advanced and prosperous,” she said.

In terms of building direct communication, according to Lili, the event also serves as a medium for President Prabowo to explain various policies that are being taken and implemented at present.

“The President invited a number of figures or political elites, I think, to build direct communication and explain the various policies being taken and implemented,” she stated.

“However, issues will arise if inputs from these various figures are ignored and not followed up. The dialogue is seen as mere formality, not for receiving inputs and suggestions, but I am confident the president will accept all inputs from various groups with an open heart,” she added.

Previously, President Prabowo held an open house for the general public to national figures at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Saturday (21/3) for the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah halalbihalal.

Cabinet members, leaders of high state institutions, and groups of officials attended the halalbihalal event after President Prabowo first mingled with the public. Several officials appeared to attend the open house with their families.

Before meeting the group of officials and the Red and White Cabinet, President Prabowo received the arrival of the 6th President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and the 7th President of Indonesia Joko Widodo along with their respective families as the initial series of the halalbihalal.

Previously, Prabowo had first held a silaturahmi meeting with the 5th President of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri at Merdeka Palace.

In the meeting that lasted around two hours, the two discussed various strategic issues and exchanged views.