MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Central Board of Muhammadiyah congratulated Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka following their inauguration as the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia for 2024-2029. The oath-taking ceremony took place in Jakarta, on October 20, 2024 before the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR-RI).
President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir hoped that the president and vice president will fulfill their mandate with integrity. He emphasized the importance of upholding their oath taken in the name of Allah, which includes the commitment “to fulfill the duties of the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia to the best of their ability, uphold the Constitution, and serve the nation faithfully.”
Haedar also conveyed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s address, which highlighted a commitment to safeguarding the constitution, upholding the law, eradicating corruption, ensuring food sovereignty, addressing poverty, maintaining an independent foreign policy, responsibly managing natural resources, and upholding Indonesia’s sovereignty.
“The President also called for courage in facing challenges, threats, and difficulties, as well as his reminder to all state officials to prioritize the interests of the people, live with integrity, maintain unity, and set an example in national life,” said Haedar.
Furthermore, Haedar praised President Prabowo’s openness and invitation to confront Indonesia’s realities and challenges honestly.
“Officials are reminded that the key to everything lies with the leaders, and we must avoid the situation described in the saying, ‘a fish rots from the head down’,” said Haedar.
He stressed the President’s acknowledgment of past leaders, from President Soekarno to President Joko Widodo, for their contributions to Indonesia’s development. This, Haedar noted, demonstrates Prabowo’s statesmanship and respect for the nation’s history and the specific contributions of each leader.
Haedar hoped that the new administration under President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran would achieve Indonesia’s progress in line with the “Asta Cita” goals. These goals include strengthening Pancasila, democracy, and human rights; bolstering national defense and self-reliance in sectors like food, energy, and the creative economy; creating quality jobs and fostering entrepreneurship; enhancing human resource development in education, health, and gender equality; advancing industrialization for domestic value addition; promoting rural development to reduce economic disparity; reinforcing political, legal, and bureaucratic reforms, especially in combating corruption and drugs; and fostering harmony with the environment, nature and culture and enhancing tolerance among interreligious communities to achieve a just and prosperous society.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining Indonesia’s sovereignty, urging that this principle be a sustained political commitment in leading the nation. Haedar called for respecting Indonesia’s independence and ensuring that the country is not subjected to foreign interference, aligning with a spirit of nationalism and sovereignty.
“We hope that the management of natural resources, investments, and collaborations with international partners will remain grounded in the principle of Indonesia’s sovereignty. It is vital to protect the entire nation and its people from all forms of intervention and neocolonialism that could harm Indonesia’s future,” Haedar asserted.
Additionally, Haedar highlighted the importance of consolidating substantive democracy, ensuring it remains a priority in strengthening Indonesia’s political system. This includes fostering open spaces for the responsible expression of critical viewpoints to maintain checks and balances in governance. He emphasized the need to prevent the criminalization of differing political opinions and to maintain a healthy public dialogue.
“Critical thoughts from elites and the public should be conveyed objectively, with strong arguments, and without resorting to insults or spreading hatred, allowing for a constructive democratic discourse in Indonesia,” Haedar emphasized.
He also highlighted the importance of character-building rooted in Pancasila, religious values, and Indonesia’s cultural heritage as a fundamental focus for the government. This approach, Haedar suggested, is crucial for shaping the nation’s identity and ensuring the ethical development of Indonesia’s youth. He called for reforms in higher education, stressing the need to address plagiarism and unethical academic practices.
“Regulating the awarding of academic degrees that undermine academic integrity is a crucial issue for preserving the dignity of Indonesia’s higher education. Higher education institutions should be restored to their role as strategic centers for national intellectual development, preserving the dignity of Indonesia’s academic community,” he noted.
Concluding his statement, Haedar hoped that the leadership over the next five years will serve as a unifying and guiding power for Indonesia, ensuring prosperity and justice for all citizens while setting a strong example for the nation.
“Put the interests of the nation and state above personal or group interests. We hope that the selected cabinet members will fully support the leadership of the President and Vice President, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the nation’s progress. May Allah Almighty grant strength to the new government and bless the entire Indonesian people,” Haedar concluded.
