DPD RI Speaker: The Social Welfare Bill Must Strengthen National Resilience

07 April 2026 oleh admin

Jakarta, dpd.go.id – Speaker of the House of the Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, emphasized that the revised Social Welfare Bill (RUU) must be designed as a strategic instrument to strengthen national resilience, including through clearer regulations regarding the management of the Heroes' Cemetery (TMP). This was conveyed during his meeting with Deputy Minister of Defense Donny Ermawan and Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono at the DPD RI Building, Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday (7/4/2026).

During the meeting, the Speaker of the House of the Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) emphasized that social welfare is inseparable from national stability. Therefore, the revised bill needs to adopt a cross-sectoral approach, including integrating a defense perspective into social policy.

"Social welfare is the primary foundation of national resilience. A strong nation is not only measured by its military strength, but also by its ability to guarantee the protection and well-being of its people," said the Sultan, accompanied by Vice Speaker of the House of the Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Yorrys Raweyai.

The DPD RI also encouraged the expansion of the Social Welfare Bill, not solely focusing on social assistance, but also encompassing an adaptive social protection system, such as for extreme poverty, food crises, disasters, and the impact of global disruption.

Strengthening the Substantive: TMP Management Included in the Bill

In the context of strengthening this substance, the management of the Heroes' Cemetery (TMP) was one of the strategic points discussed. Deputy Minister of Defense Donny Ermawan stated that the management of the TMP, currently under the Ministry of Social Affairs, needs to be strengthened through a clearer and more integrated regulatory framework, involving the Ministry of Defense.

According to Donny, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Social Affairs have reached an understanding to jointly manage the TMP, which will be outlined in the form of regulatory norms in the revised Social Welfare Bill.

"In addition to discussing the revision of the Social Welfare Bill, we also propose that the management of TMP be explicitly included in the bill's articles, as part of the state's respect for heroes and strengthening of national values. We have agreed on this with the Ministry of Social Affairs and have received support from the House of the Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI)," said Donny.

Echoing this sentiment, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono emphasized that strengthening the legal basis for TMP management is crucial to prevent overlapping authority in the future. He stated that this step also aligns with the President's directive to strengthen more effective institutional governance.

"Through the revision of the Social Welfare Law, we want to ensure legal certainty in the management of the TMP, including the inter-ministerial collaboration scheme, so that it no longer causes problems in the future," Agus said.

Responding to this, Abdul Kholik, Chairperson of the House of the Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD) Legislation Drafting Committee (PPUU), stated that the DPD is ready to follow up on the proposal during legislative deliberations. He emphasized that the substance of TMP management will be integrated as part of strengthening norms in the revised Social Welfare Bill.

"Technically, we have prepared the Social Welfare Bill. We will include proposals regarding the management of the TMP as additional material in the revisions, and we will push for it to be a priority for national legislative discussions," said Abdul Kholik.

This meeting emphasized the importance of synergy between ministries and state institutions in formulating policies that are not only responsive to social challenges but also contribute to strengthening national resilience. The House of the Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD) is committed to continuously overseeing the deliberations on the revised Social Welfare Bill to ensure it addresses community needs while optimally accommodating regional interests.