The proposal by President elect Prabowo Subianto to establish a presidential club as a communication forum for the country’s newly elected pair and former pairs of State leadership has won the support of Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Soesatyo.
Bambang believes that Prabowo’s initiative is a positive step towards gathering and consolidating former presidents and vice presidents.
“In fact, we used to have the Supreme Advisory Council institution, which could be filled by former Presidents and Vice Presidents, if Prabowo agrees to formalize it,” Bambang said on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
He views the establishment of a presidential club as a platform for former presidents and vice presidents to share their thoughts on facing future challenges. He believes that former presidents are experienced leaders who can contribute significantly to the nation’s development.
“It is important to look ahead and see how the nation’s issues can be resolved collectively,” Bambang said.
Currently, Indonesia has two living former presidents, namely Megawati Soekarnoputri who served one term in office and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) who served two terms in office. The incumbent Joko Widodo will complete his second term in office this October.
Bambang, however, reminded that should the presidential club be formalized, it would require amending the fifth amendment of the 1945 Constitution.
“If Prabowo agrees to formalize it, it can be done, but of course, it must go through the fifth amendment,” he said.
On the other hand, the presidential club establishment is considered challenging due to the perceived lack of harmony between Megawati and SBY. Bambang, therefore, emphasized the need to address this issue for the nation’s interest.
