Interfaith Youth Leaders Laud President Prabowo’s Swift Response to Public Demand

The Interfaith Youth Organizations expressed appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s swift response to various public demands.

During a meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (09/01), representatives of nine interfaith youth organizations stated that many of their concerns had already been addressed directly by President Prabowo, including issues of freedom of worship and a commitment to accelerate the ratification of the Asset Forfeiture Bill.

Stefanus Gusma, Chairperson of the Catholic Youth Association, praised President Prabowo’s openness in listening to and responding to the people’s concerns.

“Beyond our expectations, the President has addressed our demands, even those we had not explicitly conveyed. We certainly express our appreciation and gratitude for his views, ideas, and his attention to the public over the past few days,” he said.

On that occasion, the Interfaith Youth Organizations delivered an eight-point statement. First, they expressed appreciation for the swift action of President Prabowo and the Government in responding to public concerns. Second, they urged that the communication style of officials be evaluated so that it becomes more sensitive and empathetic.

According to Stefanus, the second request was immediately addressed by the President. Stefanus also said that the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly were also present at the meeting.

Third, they called on security forces to maintain order in a proportional and non-repressive manner, while firmly addressing violent actions. Fourth, they urged the Government to guarantee freedom of worship and ease the establishment of houses of worship, including through a review of existing regulations.

Fifth, the youth leaders proposed creating regular channels of communication between the Government and community, youth, religious, and traditional leaders at both national and regional levels.

“The Government should routinely and actively build channels of communication and dialogue with community leaders, youth leaders, religious leaders, and traditional leaders at both the national and regional levels. This fifth point was also addressed with an extraordinary response, as the President even scheduled such events to be held regularly,” Stefanus said.

Sixth, they highlighted the importance of following up on public concerns related to the postponement of property tax increases, prevention of layoffs, assurance of decent wages, and acceleration of the Free Nutritious Meals program with accurate targeting. Seventh, they welcomed the President’s commitment to accelerating the ratification of the Asset Forfeiture Bill in the House of Representatives as part of building a strong and clean Government.

“Eighth, our final demand is to support the implementation of President Prabowo’s Asta Cita program as well as the acceleration of the Government’s priority and strategic programs by directly involving all members of the Interfaith Youth Organization across Indonesia,” he stated.

On the same occasion, Adin Jauhradin, Chairperson of GP Ansor (the youth wing of Nahdlatul Ulama), instructed all members of the organization to help maintain public order and security while contributing to the recovery of the community’s social and economic sectors.

“As long as our demands are sincere, we must support the cause. However, the destruction of public facilities harms us all. Therefore, we must play our role in preventing damage and safeguarding Indonesia,” he remarked.

(BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RI/MUR)