Rocky Gerung Speaks on Ethical Role in Prabowo's Advisory Board - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Academician Rocky Gerung clarified that the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres) does not hold a technical position within the government, but rather an ethical one. He made the remarks after being sworn in by President Prabowo Subianto as a Wantimpres member at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, October 2, 2026.

This ethical position, he explained, demands that members possess the foresight to gauge the consequences of government policies. "It also offers guidance on policy direction so that it aligns with the president's vision," Rocky said.

Rocky noted that every Wantimpres member has ethical obligations in fulfilling their duties. Consequently, he maintains that members of the advisory board must be capable of stepping back to distance themselves from immediate events.

"Contemplation, evaluation, and even the ability to envision the future of the republic, a sort of oversight committee, are needed," he stated.

He insisted that joining the government has not altered his views on statehood. According to Rocky, his stance remains rooted in a radical break.

"I simply moved from outside the government to the inside," he said. He added that he saw no reason to decline the invitation to join the Presidential Advisory Board.

According to him, the Presidential Advisory Board will ultimately help shape public perception so that it accords with the head of state's vision. He noted that a sharp political instinct is necessary to pinpoint where public perception of power goes wrong.

"And how power can shape that perception so it works positively for the nation," Rocky said.

Because it deals solely with ethical matters, he stated that the board's duties differ from those of the president's special advisors. Technical input remains the responsibility of special presidential advisors across various sectors.

The inauguration of the board's leadership and members was formalized through Presidential Decree No. 107/P of 2026 on the Appointment of Members of the Presidential Advisory Board. In total, President Prabowo Subianto appointed 26 members to the institution.

Members: Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, Quraish Shihab, Agum Gumelar, Chairul Tanjung, Said Aqil Siradj, Anwar Iskandar, Yahya Cholil Staquf, Jusuf Wanandi, Budi Gunawan, Bambang Soesatyo, Salim Segaf Al-Jufri, Soekarwo, Dato' Sri Tahir, Rocky Gerung, Ida Bagus Purwalaksana, Philip Kuntjoro Widjaja, Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo, Anwar Usman, Muhammad Hatta, Jusuf Hamka, Margarito Kamis, Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty, and Ignasius Jonan.