21st Anniversary of the DPD RI’s National and State Dialogue

Indonesiantalk.com — At the age of 21, Indonesia’s Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) once again finds itself grappling with an old question: what is its true function and meaning within the country’s political system? DPD Chairman Sultan B. Najamudin has attempted to provide a fresh answer. For him, the council must not be seen merely as a mouthpiece for regional aspirations. Instead, it must evolve into an institution that monitors and safeguards cross-border issues—environmental protection, climate change, and ecosystem sustainability. “DPD RI is not only about regional matters. Beyond that, DPD must speak about climate, water, air, and ecosystems. That is a constitutional mandate,” Sultan declared during the National Dialogue titled Institutional Tracing: Weaving Visions and Perspectives for a More Empowered DPD RI, held at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on September 30. His statement was backed by concrete initiatives. Sultan unveiled four draft bills initiated by the DPD that have…