President Prabowo Subianto Engages in Open Dialog with GNB Leaders at Merdeka Palace

President Prabowo Subianto received several figures from the Gerakan Nurani Bangsa, (GNB) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (09/11) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Thursday (09/11) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta welcomed several key figures from the Gerakan Nurani Bangsa (GNB).

GNB literally means the Nation’s Conscience Movement and is a coalition of leading Indonesians and interfaith leaders who promote humane and just policies during national crises and unrest.

The meeting took place in a warm and open atmosphere, with discussion covering various national issues, ranging from political and economic reform to law enforcement.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated that President Prabowo Subianto gave open and direct answers to various questions from the GNB figures.

“The meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, proceeded smoothly in a friendly atmosphere. The dialogue between representatives of different religions and national figures with the President was very warm and intimate. The President responded well to the questions posed by the GNB representatives,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, senior religious figure Quraish Shihab described the meeting as enlightening and said it reinforced strengthened optimism about the nation’s future, noting that President Prabowo Subianto’s in-depth explanations serve as the Government’s commitment to responding to the people’s aspirations.

“I believe we received a great deal of valuable information and gratifying explanations from the President. The concern we raised in recent days was well understood and positively received positively, making today’s dialog truly beneficial for the progress of our nation and state,” he said.

Former Minister of Religious Afairs and member of the GNB Lukman Hakim Saifuddin stated that President Prabowo Subianto not only listened to the aspirations conveyed but also discussed them in detail.

Lukman also emphasized that one of the main civil society demands was the establishment of an Independent Investigation Commission related to the last month’s incidents.

“The President agreed to establish it, and the details will be announced later,” he said, adding that the GNB also voiced the importance of releasing activists and students who are still detained to prevent interruption of their education.

Another GNB figure, Reverend Gomar Gultom, said that the dialogue also talked about police reform.

“The GNB conveyed the need for evaluation and police reform. The President will soon form a team or commission for police reform,” he explained.

In response to that, Minister of Religious Affaris Nasaruddin stated that President Prabowo Subianto welcomed this proposal, saying that the meeting was evidence of shared views between the President and the GNB. He also said that the meeting reaffirmed that President Prabowo Subianto consistently opens dialogue space with various national components as a commitment to healthy democracy.

Affaris added that the President also stressed that safeguarding the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is a collective responsibility shared by all elements of society.

With a spirit of unity and togetherness, the President, the Minister added, expressed confidence that Indonesia will be able to advance towards a better future. (BPMI) (EST/EP)