President Prabowo Meets Religious, Political, and Labor Leaders to Discuss National Unity

President Prabowo Subianto at the meeting at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, Monday (09/01). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Monday (09/01) met with interfaith leaders, political party heads, labor union representatives, and youth organizations at the State Palace, Jakarta, to discuss recent public concerns and a shared commitment to national unity.

Chairperson of Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board Yahya Cholil Staquf stated that the meeting serves as a critical platform for civil and religious leaders to convey the aspirations of the people directly to the President.

“President Prabowo has clearly listened and understood much of what we brought forward. He also showed that steps have already been taken not just by the executive, but also by institutions like the parliament (DPR),” Yahya told reporters after the meeting.

Yahya also said that the President’s vision and commitment had sparked renewed optimism among religious leaders. “Mr. President conveyed his ideas, passion, and goals comprehensively, which encouraged hope among us. What we expect next is a stronger gesture of fulfilling the people’s demands, so the people can feel more at ease,” he added.

On the occasion, Head of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia Jacky Manuputty highlighted the informal and inclusive atmosphere of the meeting, calling it a model for national unity efforts at the regional level.

“We truly appreciated the President’s invitation. The meeting felt warm, relaxed, and deeply communal,” he said.

According to Jacky, participants raised various pressing issues, including burdensome taxation, corruption, public officials’ bad behavior, and recent parliamentary allowance increases and stated that President Prabowo responded directly to the concerns and pledged to support the long-awaited Asset Forfeiture Bill.

“Mr. President expressed commitment to seriously pursuing the Asset Forfeiture Bill together with parliament,” Jacky remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (GWH/MUR)