Newly-Inaugurated Wantimpres Members Pledge Strategic Advice for President Prabowo Subianto

President Prabowo Subianto Friday (10/02) officially appointed 26 members of the Presidential Advisory Council (Dewan Pertimbangan Presiden/Wantimpres) of the Republic of Indonesia at the State Palace, Jakarta.

Following the appointment, the council’s chair, vice chair, and several members of Wantimpres shared their views on their roles and responsibilities in advising the Head of State.

Chairperson of Wantimpres Pratikno expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the President. According to him, the newly appointed council reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of prominent national figures.

“As you know, the newly appointed Wantimpres members are national figures from diverse fields, faiths, and professions, with extensive experience in serving our beloved country,” Pratikno stated during a press briefing after the inauguration.

Pratikno said the council’s diverse knowledge and experience would be a valuable asset in providing advice, input, and recommendations to the President, as mandated by law. He also emphasized that all Wantimpres activities would be directed toward advising the Head of State.

“With the extensive knowledge and experience from of the Presidential Advisory Council’s members, we believe we can work together to provide advice, input, and recommendations as mandated by law. Our duty is focused on a single beneficiary: the President,” he added.

Vice Chair of Wantimpres Hatta Rajasa stated that the council would on the varied perspectives and expertise of its members to provide high-quality input to the President. He also emphasized that, in accordance with the law, Wantimpres’ advice to the President is confidential.

“Our duty is to support the President by providing high-quality input drawn from the board range of knowledge and expertise we possess,” Hatta said.

Meanwhile, Wantimpres member Rocky Gerung shared the President’s message on the council’s role and responsibilities of Wantimpres. According to him, the President emphasized that Wantimpres serves an ethical, rather than technical, function: its members are expected to assess the impact of policies and advise on their direction in line with the President’s vision.

Rocky added that Wantimpres is not intended to merely respond to immediate, day-to-day issues. Rather, he said, the council should engage in reflection and evaluation to address issues from a broader perspective, including in considering the nation’s future direction.

“In a corporate setting, it would be comparable to an oversight committee. However, as a public institution, it requires not only expertise but also sharp instincts. Most importantly, we must be willing to point out what is wrong in public perception of power and help ensure that power transforms into something positive for the nation,” he said.

Another Wantimpres member, Budi Tanuwibowo, said he was surprised and deeply moved by the trust placed in him. He said he learned of the appointment on Friday morning through a phone call from Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, adding that the appointment held special significance for him as a member of Indonesia’s Confucian community.

“I am deeply moved because, as a member of the smallest demographic community, we are receiving equal consideration,” Budi stated.

Budi said the diverse composition of Wantimpres reflects the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). He expressed hope that solidarity and harmony among Indonesians would continue to drive the nation’s progress.

“Today’s event made me feel that this nation has truly upheld to one of its key pillars: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. I hope that, through ever-stronger unity and togetherness, the Indonesia we love, with her immense potential, harmonious society, and preparedness, will continue to move forward. When that happens depends on our shared unity and determination,” Budi concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (YA/MEP)