Luhut Reminds Officials & Criticizes Observers
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the Digital Transformation Committee and Chairman of the National Economic Council, emphasized the importance of data accuracy in President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. He reminded presidential aides not to submit reports with inaccurate figures, as this could impact decision-making.
“Don’t submit reports to the President with inaccurate data. If the data is incorrect, the President’s decisions could also be incorrect,” Luhut emphasized at the signing of the Joint Decree on the Implementation of Medical and Healthcare Personnel Licensing through the National Digital Public Service Mall (MPPDN) at the Ministry of Health in South Jakarta, Tuesday (September 9, 2025).
The event was also attended by Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Rini Widyantini, and Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian.
Promoting Digital Public Services
Luhut is optimistic that digitalization will streamline state services for the public. He cited the example of nutrition programs and healthcare services, which the President will be able to monitor in real time.
“If everything is digital, the figures presented to the President will be real. So we can see which ones aren’t working,” said Luhut.
Currently, the digital service system being piloted in Banyuwangi is considered quite successful. Of the 514 regencies/cities in Indonesia, 119 are ready to implement a similar system.
According to Luhut, digitalization will boost efficiency, reduce errors, and boost economic growth.
“We want 8% growth. That’s not just about spending on regional government spending, but also reducing unusual errors,” he added.
Observer Criticizes: Criticism Without Data Confuses Matter
On a separate occasion, Luhut also took aim at observers who often criticize the government without clear data. He believes this only exacerbates the situation.
“I must be a bit harsh. There has been too much criticism coming from outside the corridors. Observers without clear data are clouding the government. Let’s give Mr. Prabowo a chance to lead,” said Luhut while attending an event at the residence of the 7th President Joko Widodo in Solo, Monday (March 31, 2025).
He cited the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) program, which had drawn criticism but is now running. Therefore, Luhut called on all parties to unite in supporting Prabowo’s administration.
A Visit to Jokowi
Luhut also visited Jokowi, who has led Indonesia for a decade. He admitted to having learned a lot from his former boss’s leadership.
“In the ten years I’ve been under Mr. Jokowi, I’ve felt how much he’s done for this country. Although, of course, he has shortcomings, because he’s also human,” Luhut said.
Concluding his statement, Luhut reminded the public to uphold a culture of politeness in expressing opinions. Democracy, he said, must not undermine the nation’s ethics.
“Democracy is true, but it must not destroy our culture of politeness in speech, language, and respect for those who have worked for this country,” he concluded.
