President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s idea of forming a Presidential Club is considered to have many functions as a forum filled with former presidents. Apart from questions, as a forum for discussing national issues, the forum is seen as Prabowo’s special mission to reconcile the bad relations between previous presidents.
This was conveyed by political observer from the Political Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Lili Romli when contacted by Media Indonesia, Saturday (4/5). Lili said Prabowo had a good relationship with his predecessors.
However, there are less good relations between other presidents. For example, Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) are still fighting a ‘cold war’ in a number of meetings. Most recently, relations between Joko Widodo and Megawati also heated up in the 2024 presidential election.
“I think it could also be a forum for friendship, to maintain unity and unity between the former presidents,” said Lili.
With this forum, apart from making relations between them more fluid, it is hoped that a number of complicated state issues can also be resolved through informal channels. According to Lili, no matter how hard the debate about an issue is, it is best to still discuss it through informal meetings while maintaining mutual friendship.
“As a forum for discussion on state and national issues, it is fine. As long as the forum is not in a formal form as part of a government organ,” he explained.
Also read: Democrats: Special Presidential Forum Similar to SBY’s Dream
Lili believes that the Presidential Club actually does not have a high enough urgency. But on the other hand, this forum is not a problem or is normal if it is formed. “This forum should not be used as a tool of co-optation and legitimization for policies that are controversial and detrimental to the people. This forum should really be used for the progress of the nation and advancing prosperity and strengthening democracy,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Prabowo’s spokesman, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, said the Presidential Club was a forum so that previous leaders could meet regularly. Prabowo, he said, wants leaders in Indonesia to work together to advance the nation.
“Pak Prabowo hopes that as a great nation its leaders will be united, harmonious, united in thinking and working for the interests of the people at large, regardless of differences in political views and political attitudes,” said Dahnil. (Z-11)
#Presidential #Club #Special #Mission #Reconcile #Relations #Presidents