Magelang, Central Java – Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka convened regional leaders at a retreat held at the Magelang Military Academy (Akmil), emphasizing the critical need for a unified vision under president Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. The retreat underscored the importance of collaboration and synergy among regional heads, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds, to effectively govern Indonesia. The Vice President highlighted key priority programs initiated by President Prabowo, urging governors, regents, and mayors to actively support and monitor their implementation. These programs include providing free nutritious meals, promoting downstreaming industries, and achieving food self-sufficiency.

Addressing regional leaders at the retreat, Gibran stressed the necessity of a cohesive approach to governance. he emphasized that despite differences in background, a shared national identity should prevail.

Although our religion, ethnicity, party is different, we where born into a large family of the archipelago, Gibran stated, as quoted by BPMI Setwapres’s statement.

He further emphasized the need for coordinated leadership.

To manage a contry as big as Indonesia, we need a strong collaboration, we need close synergy under one commander of the President prabowo.

The Vice President’s call for unity comes at a crucial time as Indonesia navigates complex challenges ranging from economic progress to social cohesion. The success of President Prabowo’s agenda hinges on the ability of regional leaders to work together effectively and implement national policies at the local level.

Gibran highlighted key priority programs initiated by President Prabowo, urging governors, regents, and mayors to actively support and monitor their implementation. these initiatives are designed to improve the well-being of Indonesian citizens and strengthen the nation’s economy. The focus on free nutritious meals, downstreaming industries, and food self-sufficiency reflects the government’s commitment to addressing fundamental needs and fostering sustainable growth.

Gibran emphasized the collective obligation in ensuring the success of these programs, stressing the need for coordinated efforts at all levels of government.

Priority programs such as free nutritious eating, downstreaming, self-sufficiency, food self-sufficiency, job creation we must support, we must be gang together, we must monitor together the implementation, he saeid.

Addressing the practical challenges of implementing these programs, Gibran specifically called on regional heads to focus on the availability of food and the necessary infrastructure for the free nutritious food program. He acknowledged that in some areas,accessing affordable food remains a critically important hurdle,highlighting the importance of efficient logistics and distribution networks to ensure that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.

The availability of food, this is still difficult and expensive in some places, Gibran noted.

He urged regional leaders to take proactive measures to address this issue.

For that, once again the regional heads, I ask for the supply chain and MBG distribution infrastructure, please monitor and be assisted.

Beyond food security, Gibran also emphasized the importance of reducing stunting rates, a critical issue affecting the health and development of children. He pointed out that providing additional food to pregnant women and toddlers is a key strategy in combating stunting and improving overall health outcomes. This reflects a broader commitment to investing in the future of Indonesia by ensuring that children have the chance to reach their full potential.

With the approach of Ramadan, Gibran urged regional heads to be vigilant about potential price increases, notably for essential goods. He stressed the need for proactive measures to maintain price stability and ensure an adequate supply of goods in the market,preventing shortages and mitigating the impact of inflation on consumers. This demonstrates a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from economic hardship during a period of heightened demand.

There must be no fuel scarcity, do not let there be a buildup in the toll exit for exmaple, very careful, he cautioned, highlighting the importance of smooth logistics and distribution to avoid disruptions during the high-demand period of Ramadan.

Moreover, Gibran addressed the importance of sound regional budget management, encouraging regional governments to leverage e-catalogs and involve Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in procurement processes.He also emphasized the need to accelerate the halal certification process for goods and services. This reflects a commitment to promoting transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in government operations.

I need to underline this,ladies and gentlemen. Based on PP No. 42 of 2024,October 2026,the service goods with certain conditions must have a halal certificate, Gibran stated,emphasizing the regulatory requirements and the need for compliance.

He further reinforced the collaborative spirit required to meet these regulatory obligations.

So later, please be able to provide affirmations and also I ask for cooperation with all regional heads to work together with the head of the body, he added.

In a broader context, Gibran, son of the 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), urged regional heads to prioritize tolerance and harmony within their respective regions. He cited Singkawang as a prime example of a city known for its high levels of tolerance and social cohesion. This underscores the importance of fostering a society where people of different backgrounds can live together peacefully and respectfully.

Toleran City index Number One, Singkawang City, Bekasi, Salatiga, Manado, semarang, Magelang, Kadiri, Sukabumi, Kopang, Surakarta, Gibran noted, highlighting cities that exemplify tolerance.

He emphasized the role of the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) in fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation.

This is if the tolerance is high, it means that FKUB is road, it is very significant FKUB, he added.

“Indonesia’s vast archipelago presents unique governance challenges. A truly unified national vision requires more than just rhetoric; it demands strategic collaboration and tangible results.”

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, Senior Editor, world-today-news.com

Expert: Professor Budiman Santoso, leading expert in Indonesian politics and Governance at the University of Gadjah Mada

Interviewer: Professor Santoso, Vice President Gibran’s recent retreat with regional leaders in Magelang highlighted the need for unity under President Prabowo. How notable is this initiative in the context of Indonesia’s diverse political landscape?

Professor Santoso: The Magelang retreat represents a crucial step towards fostering greater cohesion across indonesia’s diverse regions. The emphasis on a unified vision under President Prabowo is vital for effective governance. Indonesia’s archipelagic nature, coupled with its rich tapestry of ethnicities, religions, and political affiliations, historically presents significant challenges to national unity and coordinated policy implementation.

This initiative directly tackles the core issue of achieving synergy among regional leaders, a prerequisite for successful nationwide development programs.

the success of such a unified approach hinges on several factors, including: robust interaction channels between the central government and regional administrations, commitment from regional leaders to the national agenda, flexible and culturally sensitive policy implementations to suit specific regional needs, and efficient conflict resolution mechanisms.

Interviewer: The retreat focused on key priority programs,including food security,infrastructure development,and economic growth.Can you elaborate on the importance of these initiatives and the challenges in their implementation?

Professor Santoso: These priority programs address critical aspects of Indonesia’s development trajectory.

Food security, particularly in the context of increasing global food prices and climate change vulnerability, is a paramount concern. Investment in agricultural infrastructure, promotion of sustainable farming practices, and effective food distribution networks are crucial.

Infrastructure development, including transportation, energy, and communication networks, is crucial for economic growth and regional connectivity. Overcoming logistical hurdles, securing funding, and minimizing environmental impact during infrastructural projects are continuous challenges.

Equally crucial is

economic growth achieved sustainably, ideally leveraging Indonesia’s abundant natural resources. Promoting downstreaming industries, supporting SMEs, and attracting foreign investment sustainably are all essential components, but must be closely monitored to ensure fair labor practices and environmental protection.

Interviewer: VP Gibran stressed the importance of addressing food insecurity, particularly ensuring access to nutritious meals. What specific strategies can be implemented to achieve this goal effectively and sustainably?

Professor Santoso: Achieving sustainable food security requires a multi-pronged approach. First,

strengthening domestic food production thru technology adoption, sustainable agriculture, and improved farming practices is vital. Second, improving food distribution networks and infrastructure. This encompasses

investment in cold chain logistics to reduce food spoilage, improved rural roads and transportation, and establishing effective storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses.

nutrition education programs targeting both producers and consumers are essential to promote healthy diets and reduce food waste.

The efficient tracking and monitoring of supply chains are also critical to prevent market disruptions and maintain price stability.

interviewer: The VP also touched upon reducing stunting rates. What role do regional governments play in combating malnutrition and ensuring healthy child development?

Professor Santoso: Regional governments play a critical role in combating malnutrition and improving child development through several key strategies:

Early detection and intervention programs: Implementing programs to identify and address cases of malnutrition at an early stage is crucial.This includes providing nutritional supplements and education to parents.

community health initiatives: Educating communities about the importance of nutrition and hygiene, and providing access to healthcare services within reach, are also crucial.

Infrastructure improvements: Investing in water, sanitation, and healthcare facilities in underserved areas is vital to ensuring children receive the nutrition and care they need to thrive.

These actions must be supported by strong collaboration between regional health services and community-based organizations.

Interviewer: Gibran emphasized the importance of sound budget management and leveraging e-catalogs and MSMEs in public procurement. How can these approaches enhance clarity and promote regional economic development?

Professor Santoso: Implementing obvious and efficient public procurement practices is crucial for promoting good governance and regional economic development.

leveraging e-catalogs enhances transparency by streamlining the procurement process, reducing potential for corruption, and allowing better monitoring of spending.

Integrating MSMEs into the procurement process stimulates local economies, creates jobs, and fosters greater economic inclusion. Moreover, government support and training programs designed to equip and empower MSMEs, and also initiatives promoting digital literacy and access to technology are also extremely vital.

Interviewer: How crucial is interfaith harmony, particularly considering the diverse religious landscape of Indonesia?

Professor santoso: Interfaith harmony is not merely a nice-to-have; it is a essential requirement for stability and progress in Indonesia.

Promoting tolerance, understanding, and cooperation among different religious communities is essential for social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

The role of institutions like FKUB (Religious Harmony Forum) in mediating interfaith dialogues and resolving conflicts is crucial for sustaining peace and fostering a sense of shared national identity. Encouraging inclusive education that promotes tolerance in young generations is another essential component to maintain lasting social cohesion.

Interviewer: what key takeaways should readers remember from this interview regarding VP gibran’s initiative and its broader implications for Indonesia?

Professor Santoso: VP gibran’s initiative represents a perhaps significant step towards strengthening national unity and addressing critical development challenges in Indonesia. Though, the success of this initiative depends on continued commitment to a collaborative approach, strong policy implementation, effective coordination between the national government and regional administrations, inclusive community engagement, and transparent monitoring mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of these efforts.The focus on food security,infrastructure advancement,economic growth,and interfaith harmony highlights the interconnectedness of these elements. A successful implementation demands not only strong political leadership but also active participation and cooperation from all sectors of society. The role of MSMEs in economic growth and the use of technology in ensuring transparency and accountability remain critical in achieving national aims.

interviewer: thank you for your insightful perspectives, Professor Santoso. This has been a remarkably enlightening discussion, and I’m confident our readers will find this invaluable. Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below! Share your thoughts and opinions on the importance of national unity and collaborative governance in Indonesia.