22 Years of the DPD RI: It is Time for Regional Voices to Determine Indonesia's Direction

01 October 2026 oleh admin

Jakarta, dpd.go.id — Twenty-two years of the House of the Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) has served as a momentum to emphasize that Indonesia's future should not be determined solely by the central government. Regional voices must be present and contribute to determining the direction of national policy.

This message was emphasized by the Speaker of the DPD RI, Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, in the 4th Extraordinary Plenary Session of the DPD RI in the context of the 22nd Anniversary of the DPD RI as well as the Submission of the DPD RI Performance Report for the 2025–2026 Session Year at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (1/10/2026).

This momentum was also marked by the handover of the DPD RI Institutional Performance Book to the heads of state institutions, relevant ministries, and governors throughout Indonesia as a form of institutional accountability, as well as the DPD RI's commitment to fighting for regional aspirations.

"Indonesian unity will only remain strong if every region feels they have a 'common home' that advocates for its voice at the national level. Fighting for justice for the regions is the best way to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," Sultan emphasized.

According to Sultan, a region is not simply a geographical space, but rather a community entity with the right to grow, manage resources, and improve the welfare of its people. Therefore, regional interests must be reflected in budget policies, fiscal transfers, natural resource management, basic services, spatial planning, and recognition of local uniqueness.

Sultan emphasized that the DPD RI holds a special position as a territorial representative. While the DPR RI represents "who," the DPD RI represents "where."

"The DPD RI is present to represent 'where', namely territorial representation directly elected by the people as individuals without party affiliation, to voice the collective interests of their homeland in the national policy arena," he said.

13,519 District Aspirations Controlled From September 2025 to August 2026, the DPD RI collected and followed up on 13,519 regional aspirations covering issues related to education, health, spatial planning, land, agriculture, the environment, cooperatives, and regional finance.

In the field of legislation and supervision, the DPD RI produced seven initiative draft bills and 25 supervisory activities, as well as monitoring and evaluating draft regional regulations and regional regulations in 38 provinces.

The House of Regional Representatives (DPD) also oversees regional fiscal justice. During the 2026 State Budget (APBN) deliberations, the DPD pushed for a correction in the Regional Transfer (TKD) allocation, from the initial proposal of Rp650 trillion to Rp693 trillion.

In addition, the DPD RI continues to fight for the Archipelagic Region Bill to provide fairer fiscal policies for archipelagic regions.

"Treating island territories the same as mainland territories is a form of injustice," said the Sultan.

Entering its 22nd year, the DPD RI is also developing the concept of Green Democracy towards Resilient Democracy, namely a democracy that is resilient in facing global ecological, economic, and geopolitical challenges.

Sultan emphasized that the 22nd anniversary is not merely a moment of celebration, but also a space to evaluate and account for the institution's performance to the public.

"Turning 22 is not a time for self-celebration, but rather a time to stand in front of the mirror—to listen to criticism with an open heart, to be accountable for one's performance with data, and to strengthen the quality of institutional work," he said.

Sultan emphasized that all of the DPD RI's work ultimately leads to one goal, namely ensuring that the voices of the people throughout the archipelago are present in national policies.

"Regional aspirations are the crown jewel of the DPD RI's existence. When we successfully oversee the transformation of voices from across the archipelago into just national policies, that's when the DPD RI stands with its full dignity and honor," Sultan concluded.**