Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto on Monday held a closed-door dialogue at the State Palace with leaders of community groups, interfaith figures, labor unions, and political parties, pledging to address their concerns on governance, legislation, and civil liberties.
The hours-long meeting saw participants criticize government policies, highlight the arrogance and lavish lifestyles of officials and lawmakers, and call for greater democratic space.
They also urged urgent passage of pending legislation, including the Asset Confiscation and Manpower Bills.
Andi Gani Nena Wea, head of the All-Indonesian Workers Union Confederation (KSPSI), said President Prabowo committed to fast-tracking both bills in coordination with the House of Representatives (DPR).
“The president promised to immediately initiate discussions with DPR Speaker Puan Maharani and political parties. They agreed to move forward,” Wea said.
Said Iqbal, president of the Indonesian Trade Unions Confederation (KSPI), emphasized the need to protect the right to protest.
“Demonstrations are a vital outlet for workers, farmers, students, and ordinary citizens when institutions fail to respond. These must remain peaceful and constitutional,” he said.
“The President agrees with this principle,” he added.
Reverend Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty, chairman of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), described the dialogue as open and candid.
“We raised issues from excessive taxation and corruption to elite misconduct and increased DPR allowances. The President and Speaker responded directly,” he said.
The gathering ended with a joint prayer led by various religious leaders, marking a rare moment of unity among diverse civic voices and national leadership.
The meeting is seen as part of Prabowo's effort to maintain public trust and show willingness to engage critics as he prepares for his upcoming term in office.
