The Government Must Take The Economist's Criticism Seriously
The Economist’s recent report on Indonesia’s economy and democracy has become an important moment for the nation to undertake a collective evaluation. In a public discussion at Paramadina University, several experts and academics described the critical notes as a space for structural reform to strengthen governance that is sustainable.
Sudirman Said, Rector of Harkat Negeri University, emphasised that the key path to optimising the nation’s potential is to restore public trust collectively. He argued that all parties must shoulder the heavy responsibility, with the most accountable being those entrusted with authority. The condition is simple: keep ears, eyes and conscience wide open, he told the discussion on Friday (22 May).
Sudirman added that this strengthening should draw on the examples set by the founders of the nation, grounded in morality and intellect, so that every policy is always based on scientific data and strong prudence.
In the same forum, Siti Zuhro, Senior Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), highlighted the importance of maintaining the check-and-balance function in Indonesia’s democracy. She hoped that the currently bloated institutional and cabinet structures can continue to be optimised so public service functions operate responsively and are free from institutional dysfunction.
‘Inter-agency synergy and active public participation are essential for our democracy’s substance to remain well guarded,’ Siti said.
Meanwhile, Paramadina University economist, Wijayanto Samirin, offered constructive notes on formulating fiscal policy and national programmes. Reflecting on strategic programmes such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KDMP), he urged the government to strengthen the technocratic process and careful planning from the outset to safeguard fiscal space amid challenges to tax revenue.
Rigid planning is seen as minimising legal uncertainty at the grassroots level and giving higher security to business actors.
Senior Economist at the University of Indonesia, Moh Ikhsan, cautioned the government to stay vigilant and not rest on monetary indicators, which are still relatively safe. Indonesia is still seen as having robust economic buffers to weather global fluctuations.
‘A buffer such as adequate foreign exchange reserves and sound banking gives us valuable time to keep reforming and improving,’ Ikhsan said.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the prestige and independence of vital institutions such as Bank Indonesia (BI), the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK), and Statistics Indonesia (BPS) as the main pillars of data-based policymaking (evidence-based policy) to sustain long-term national economic stability. (E-3)
BSKDN of the Home Affairs Ministry strengthens its strategic role in supporting the improvement of regional governance quality, particularly in reducing unemployment. As long as corruption among regional heads is viewed as sporadic without touching root causes, this crooked practice will recur.
Subarsono argued that the duplication of police roles in civilian institutions can weaken civil oversight of the state apparatus and represent a step backwards from the post-1998 reform agenda.
The programme continues the development efforts begun in the first period of leadership in Halmahera Tengah.
Beyond efficient administrative performance, experts say Teddy’s adaptive leadership style is key.
This achievement affirms the validation of the company’s commitment to openness of information in the digital era and the trust of loyal users.
Political analyst Ujang Komarudin assessed the swift action by Seskab Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya in correcting hoaxes and disinformation as a crucial response to maintaining public trust.
One of the most important political assets in a democratic government is public trust.
Based on the latest findings from the Indikator Politik Indonesia national survey for 15-21 January 2026, the level of public trust in the Attorney General’s Office was the highest.
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