By: Dewi Anggina Lestari*
President Prabowo Subianto’s briefing during the 2026 National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) of Central and Regional Governments in Sentul delivered a strong reaffirmation of Indonesia’s identity as a great nation, born, growing, and thriving on diversity. Speaking before nearly all central and regional government officials, the President went beyond technocratic directives, presenting a strategic reflection on Indonesia’s position in the world and the moral responsibility of leaders in safeguarding national unity. He turned the notion, often cited by outsiders, that Indonesia is an “impossible nation” into a mirror to strengthen national confidence and underscore that Indonesia’s unity is not a historical accident, but the result of collective awareness that continues to be nurtured.
International perceptions of Indonesia as a nation whose continuity is hard to imagine are rooted in conventional notions of nation-states. With hundreds of ethnic groups, numerous major religions, and a multitude of local languages, Indonesia is often seen as vulnerable to fragmentation. However, the President stressed that this reality does not weaken the nation. On the contrary, diversity is the foundation of national strength when managed with just leadership and a clear national vision. In this context, the President’s briefing can be interpreted as a reaffirmation that diversity is not merely a slogan but a strategic asset for national development.
The President’s message is especially relevant amid increasingly complex global challenges, from geopolitical rivalries and economic crises to social disruptions caused by technological and climate changes. Despite these pressures, Indonesia remains a relatively stable unitary state. President Prabowo sees this stability not as automatic, but as the result of hard work and sustained responsibility by all state officials, particularly regional leaders who are on the front lines of public service. Therefore, Rakornas 2026 was positioned as a momentum to unify vision and perception so that all government elements move in sync.
In his address, the President placed significant emphasis on leadership character. He reminded that the Indonesian people fundamentally desire a life that is peaceful, harmonious, and just. These aspirations can only be met if leaders execute their mandate with honesty and align with the public interest. President Prabowo affirmed that leadership oriented toward personal or narrow group interests has no place in healthy governance. This message serves both as a corrective and as a reinforcement of political ethics for regional leaders, ensuring they do not fall into practices that distance power from the people.
The President’s statement aligns with State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi’s explanation that Rakornas 2026 was attended comprehensively by all regional leaders and representatives from the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda). Such near-complete attendance demonstrates the government’s seriousness in building solid national coordination. Prasetyo stated that the meeting aims to align steps, vision, and perception between central and regional governments while serving as a forum to evaluate programs that have not yet reached their optimal impact during the first year of President Prabowo’s administration. Within this framework, commitment to good governance and the eradication of corruption was reaffirmed as a top priority.
The President’s briefing also conveyed a message of vigilance. Regional leaders were reminded not to be naive in navigating the constantly changing political, economic, and social dynamics. Vigilance, as explained by the President, does not mean excessive suspicion but entails the ability to read situations, understand strategic interests, and make decisions that benefit the people. Leaders who comprehend both local realities and global contexts are better equipped to maintain regional stability while contributing to national strength.
President Prabowo’s appreciation for the Minister of Home Affairs in organizing Rakornas also highlighted the emotional dimension of leadership. The President expressed confidence that the dedication and sincerity of government officials are guarantees for the nation’s future. This conveys a strong message of optimism: that successful development is determined not only by policies and budgets but also by the integrity and good intentions of those implementing them. Such optimism is crucial in building bureaucratic confidence amid rising public expectations.
Overall, President Prabowo’s briefing at Rakornas 2026 can be read as a moral and political call to strengthen unity, improve leadership quality, and reaffirm commitment to the people’s welfare. By using international perceptions of Indonesia as an “impossible nation” as a reflective trigger, the President challenges all government elements to demonstrate that Indonesia is a nation capable of overcoming doubt. Unity in diversity, just and honest leadership, and clean governance are the keys to ensuring that Indonesia not only survives but also advances as a respected global power.
*The author is an Academic in Government Studies
